The man who could sell chocolate but not himself

I've just been to a meeting with a potential customer (or probable purchaser as I like to think of them). I travelled by train because it's Friday and the 'probable purchaser' is based in a notoriously busy location for traffic. And, come to think of it, I really enjoy train travel - I get lots of opportunity to think and work on things like Blogs.

On my way back, I popped into a newsagent in the station to look at magazines and I was blown away by the shop assistant.

He was in his late 20s and very confident - chatting to shoppers with the kind of pace and dexterity you'd expect from a stand up comedian.

He was a real hustler too - asking customers whether they're looking for anything in particular, striking up conversations about the things they liked, up selling them to confectionery and drinks - all in a fun, non-threatening way.

As I browsed the shelves for a magazine, he came over to me and gave me a 2 for 1 voucher for a theme park visit, using it to strike up a conversation and asking what kind of thing I was looking for. He then disappeared into the store room and brought out another magazine of the type I was interested in. "Here, have this too - we'll only throw it away, you might as well read it first". he said cheerily.

As I took it off him, I felt compelled to buy a full price magazine too - I couldn't just walk out with a free magazine!

"You're a fantastic salesman" I said as I handed over my money, "You should consider getting a high value sales job".

"Thanks for the feedback" he replied enthusiastically, before pausing for a second and saying. "I've actually thought about working in sales but I've got a mortgage."

I picked up my magazines, wished him luck and dashed for my train.

As I boarded, I had mixed thoughts on my new shop assistant acquaintance.

First, I wanted to give him a job - selling training workshops for us. He could do a great job without breaking in to a sweat. Great product, great salesman - great combination.

But I also wondered why him having a mortgage meant he couldn't sell.

Was he worried about not earning commission?

Was his confidence all a big front which would crumble if he had to sell something worth more than a Mars Bar?

Did he feel that because his steady salary from his newsagent job covered his mortgage, he didn't need to earn more?

Was he just happy in his job and giving me a flippant fob off?

As I write this now, on the train, I really wish I'd have asked him.

I also wish I could tell him (and many others like him) that the things you say - often just to fill a void of silence - can either create or destroy opportunities for you.

If he'd have said "Do you know of any sales jobs....?" I'd have taken his number and, on the journey home, I'd have planned how I could use his skills.

But he didn't say that, so I wrote this blog instead.

I wonder how often you say things that destroy opportunities for you?