A Helping Hand

Last week I was asked to please purchase some items for the warehouse which my family are involved in. The one thing I am known for is finding things at a bargain and landing decent deals.

I made some phone calls and was busy doing a few deals when a couple walked in. They were looking to sell some items I was looking for so I showed them around to hear them out. I then asked for a price and shot them down immediately as I wasn't born yesterday. I gave them the current price which I lied as I said it included delivery to gauge the responses on their faces. People who aren't used to selling just give things away too easily and these two looked like ducks out of water.

They delivered the items today and I got chatting with the husband and it turns out they lost their jobs last year. Talk about making me feel bad even though I had given them some business and wished he had told me that when we first met. People are doing whatever it takes to survive and no wonder they look out of place doing what they are doing. Life sucks for so many yet it is great to see what people are prepared to do when the chips are down.

It turns out they have a list of things they are trying to do and hoping one catches on. I managed to talk them in to selling some stuff for my business as they are really likeable and with a little guidance could be very good. People who sell need drive and a good personality and they have both these attributes.

They are just desperate to get back on their feet and you can see they have lost the comfort of a regular income. In some ways they are lucky as they have a new opportunity to pave their way as many will still be retrenched this year. Times are really tough and it is only when you encounter others like this do you see how the world has changed. Deep down I am routing for them as against all odds they are at least trying and that is 90% of the battle won. Having the balls to enter an industry learning as you go takes guts and is one reason why I think they will do well.