A Lyft ride I’ll never forget.
By Brian Sullivan
Alright, folks. Buckle up for a story that’s worth more than a year’s subscription to any sales training program. This isn’t your typical rags-to-riches spiel. It’s about a Lyft ride.
Yeah, you heard that right. A simple ride from the Houston airport to a cruise ship in Galveston. But here’s the twist – the driver, Jeremiah, gave me the kind of lesson in sales and life that you can’t get in a classroom.
There we were, my family and I, exhausted from our flight, waiting for our Lyft. And what rolls up? Not some shiny, high-end sedan. No, sir. It was a Ford pickup that looked like it had been through every backroad in Texas. This thing had ‘character’ written all over it – rust spots like badges of honor, seats that had more stories than a library, and a dashboard that was a testament to its years of service.
Then came Jeremiah. Picture this – an old man, but with a spark in his eye that could put a twinkle in a diamond. He was thin, with hands that told tales of hard work. He wore this cap – oh, this cap – it was purple, faded, and had “Ask Me About Jesus” written on it. That cap wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was an invitation to a world of stories.
As we embarked on our journey, Jeremiah started talking. But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill small talk. This was a masterclass in engagement. He asked questions – real, deep, meaningful questions. He listened – not just heard, but really listened – to what we had to say. In those moments, we weren’t just passengers; we were the center of his universe.
Now, let’s talk about the truck. Every creak of the seats and hum of the engine was like a note in a symphony of simplicity. It was hot – Texas sun beating down on a metal box kind of hot. But Jeremiah’s stories made us forget about the sweat and the discomfort. He talked about his life, his faith, his love for fishing. He described this fishing spot of his – it sounded like a slice of paradise – with such vivid detail that I could almost see the sun setting over the water.
Captivating your audience
But here’s the kicker – the way Jeremiah talked, with passion, with sincerity, with a joy that was infectious, it was a lesson in authenticity. This guy wasn’t just telling stories; he was sharing pieces of his soul. And every word, every gesture, every laugh was genuine. He wasn’t selling us anything, but we were buying every word.
As the city gave way to open roads, and the hustle of Houston faded into the background, Jeremiah kept us captivated with his perspective on life. He had faced hardships, sure – the dialysis, the struggles – but his outlook was like a beacon in the fog of negativity. He found joy in the little things, in the connections he made, in the stories he shared.
When we finally arrived at the cruise ship, Jeremiah looked at that massive vessel with a sense of wonder that was almost childlike. And in that moment, he said something I’ll never forget: “You’re about to embark on a wonderful journey, but remember, it’s the people and the stories that make the trip memorable.”
Throughout the cruise, I found myself reflecting on Jeremiah’s words. I sent him pictures of the trip, not out of pity, but out of a newfound appreciation for sharing joy. Jeremiah wasn’t just a Lyft driver; he was a teacher, a philosopher, a master salesman without even trying to be.
So here’s the lesson: Sales isn’t about the pitch, the close, or the product. It’s about connection, authenticity, and joy. Jeremiah, in his beat-up Ford pickup, taught me that the most powerful tool in sales – and in life – is genuine human connection. It’s about making the person in front of you feel like the most important person in the world.
And that’s the secret, folks. In a world where everyone’s trying to sell something, the key to success is not just understanding your product; it’s understanding people. It’s about listening, engaging, and connecting on a human level. That’s how you make a lasting impression. That’s how you turn a customer into a friend. And that’s how you turn a simple sale into a lifelong relationship.
In the end, this journey with Jeremiah was a Lyft ride and a wake-up call. It reminded me that in the hustle of closing deals and hitting targets, the real value lies in the stories we share and the connections we make. So next time you’re out there, remember Jeremiah and his old Ford pickup. Remember that the best sales pitch is not always about selling; sometimes, it’s simply about being real, being human, and spreading a little joy.
Brian Sullivan, CSP, is the founder of PRECISE Selling and a leading voice in the field of sales training and development. He believes in the potential of every salesperson to achieve their best and continually challenges sales professionals to reach new heights. To have Brian Sullivan or one of his stable of trainers and coaches help your team get to the top, visit him at www.preciseselling.com.