Trophy of Labour  – Choices, Chances And Cherishes

What is in it for me? (WIIIFM). The art of the deal.

I can affirmatively say that humans are hot wired to gain and benefit from the things they do. No one wants to put in effort without a reward. What benefit, advantage an action, situation, or activity will offer someone is the essence of labour.  That is a very pivotal subject matter today.

As a professional sales person and marketer one thing for sure I do on a daily basis is meet people from different walks of life and pitch ideas with intent to ace a sale. Selling is not an easy task especially selling to strangers. It requires one to be bold and daring. A go for it mentality. Rejection proof personality and a very warm and charismatic attitude.

How stings unfolded

On one of my sales endeavors I encountered a prospect.  This one was very hard to crack. I got an appointment to meet him and pitched the idea of what I was selling. Why should I give you my time, he asked? He asked with a very provoking gaze at me. Why you? His body language spoke a very loud but clear tone. Why should I trust you his body language exploded!

He walked past me as though I was a time waster. The pitch did not last more than 10 seconds.  It stung! Have you ever been stung by a wasp? Oh yes a wasp I asked? That’s how it felt.

I honestly had no answer at that moment. I was new at the sales game. Green and clueless. The school of hard knocks was squeezing and biting hard.  I nursed the stings and dusted self. 3 days later I showed up again. But I was sure I would return with a very convincing pitch. For 2 months from 8am-5pm I would go sit at the reception area of his offices and wait. True story.

Another chance but with a waiting pinch

I knew it. I did and I was very sure that If I was given audience again I would convince him.  The receptionist became my friend. She would always tell me. He is a hard person to convince but keep trying never know he may say yes. One day the gentleman found me at his reception and said Richard you have only 2 minutes. Tell me what you have to say. My response was walk to our offices with me and I promise only 3 minutes will matter. He agreed and we walked past the road to our offices which was only a 3 minutes’ walk away. I showed him our offices and instantly I had nothing more to say. 2 days after I had signed my first biggest deal at the time. Worth Billions.  I had sweated for that account. Oh it was so much to bare on my shoulders but the reward was worth the 2 months agonizing wait!  I had my trophy and it was worth it.

The shiny trophy- WIIIFM Christian perspective

The disciples once asked Jesus Christ a WIIIFM question?  John 14: 8 “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Read the Phrase. Enough for us.

Jesus has earlier in John 14:1-7 had a conversation with them. One of the deepest ones I have encountered in the Bible. They had given up all to follow him. In their hearts was anxiety brewing. It was troubling them.

John 14:1-7: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

There it was. Jesus had unpacked the answer to the WIIIFM question. Many rooms he had affirmed and he was the way the truth and the Life.

Every effort, every work and every labour in his Kingdom has a reward.

1 Corinthians 3:8-10-“Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”

How it all ended.

When I had made my sale and aced the deal. One time after my new found friend asked me. Why did you keep coming every day and sit at the reception area? I used to watch you through my window every day, hoping you would give up and leave but each day I saw you kept coming back. I was convinced that If you were willing to wait that long then you were sure of what you were selling. I asked him then why did you keep me chasing you? He replied the account had to go to one who had the best offer and was worthy to implement it. It is 17 years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday!

I asked a question earlier. Let me ask it again. Have you ever been stung by a wasp?

Till next time.                                                                                                                                       

5 2 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Comment
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Marina Bukenya Baker
Marina Bukenya Baker
11 months ago

I have really enjoyed reading the story, it has given me hope never to give up. Thank you for sharing Richard.

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x