I am not new to this concept because when I was a kid, I had to sell a number of lottery books in order to collect funds for our new school building, for the blind and the needy children. Going around and selling (almost begging) was the worst job and so I always requested my parents and relatives to buy, which reduced my pain of selling them. Even today we come across so many children requesting us to buy some School magazines, lotteries and stuff like that for funds.
Raj's school too was not an exception to this universal law. It was the last day of school after which his Diwali vacation would begin. My kiddo after coming home , placed some Diwali cards in front of me, which the school had given him. Needless to mention he had to sell them. I was bugged and advised him to sell them as fast as possible on a condition that he should'nt approach his family, relatives or his friends. He gave me a bitter look but the poor guy had no escape.
Time flies but same things keep happening.
On the day prior to school re-opening.....
Raj: Mom, my diwali cards-I did'nt sell them.
Raj thought that I would buy all his cards and he may not have to wander in search of his customers. But I turned him down.
Me: I reminded you thrice about the cards but you were busy firing crackers and playing with your friends. I can't help you dear. You have to sell them or else just give it up. Tomorrow you can return the cards in the school and tell the reason behind not selling them.
Raj left the house at once as he thought it was below his dignity to return to school without completing the mission assigned to him.
He returned home after 15 odd minutes,
Raj: Good Morning Aunty (It was me), I am Raj from Springdale School and I have some diwali cards. Would you like to buy them?
I was adamant. My facial expressions were sufficient.
Raj (with sad face): Mom, I sold only one card that too with great pain and I don't think I can sell further. Nobody is willing to entertain me as they say my cards are of no use now since Diwali is over.
He tried his level best to convince me to buy the cards as above many times, but in vain. It was not difficult for me to buy all the cards from him but wanted my child to face the world. I was pretty sure that he would come across a number of people; the odd one might lovingly buy from him, but there would be many who might just listen to him and eventually end up in not buying the article, or just slam the door on hearing that he is selling a product; some may even make fun of him or simply scold him, asking him to get lost.
Kids today are not familiar with negative statements as their demands are always fulfilled by parents or grand parents or relatives. Keeping aside a Mother's Heart I had to be tough with my baby for a colourful future.
With heavy heart he left the house and returned home after almost 30 minutes.
Raj: Mom, I succeeded in selling all the cards. I met some people whom I have not seen in my entire life and managed to sell my cards. I knew you would'nt believe me so I requested AKASH to accompany me.
Akash, our neighbour was summoned.
Akash: Aunt, Raj convinced some uncles and aunts saying that they can post the card to their near and dear ones immediately. At times he used the phrase - Better late than never. He innocently confessed why he was late in selling the card which pleased them all. They readily purchased the cards without thinking a moment.
I was absolutely amazed by Raj's performance. With great pride I can undoubtedly declare him as the "Salesman of the year".
After all, as my favourite star says:
KOI KAAM BADAA YA CHOTAA NAHI HOTA
