discussion13

What was the principle I selected?

I chose Principle 4, which states that ‘Be a good listener…Encourage others to talk about

themselves.’

Whom did I interact with?

I interacted with Mr. Ashraf. He owns a farm where he plants different types of vegetable and

fruits. He also owns a truck that he uses to transports his farm produce to many stores where

they are sold. However, recently the sales have been so bad and Mr. Ashraf thought of

stopping the activities in his farm and find something else to do instead.

What was the context?

The context was that I was to ask Mr. Ashraf whether I can help him sell his farm produce in

a different way. I wanted to convince him that I could start an effective marketing campaign

and I offered to seek clients who were able to come and pick the products directly from his

farm.

What did I expect?

I expected that Mr. Ashraf hesitated or do not accept my offer. I was also hopeful that if I had

enough time to explain to him my plan.

What happened?

When I called him, he first was surprised and happy at the same time that a stranger was

thinking about his interest because I do not know him that much. But since he was my

neighbor, I talk to him from time to time for 10 minutes or so and I we talk about our families

and how his sales going and things like that. Mr. Ashraf welcomed me as usual and I

explained to him my plan and that I want to help him improve the sales of his farm and in an

easy way. I explained to him that I will be helping him by bringing buyers to his farm instead

of him taking the products to the stores because I already know lots of people who like to get

their fruits and vegetables directly. Mr. Ashraf accepted my offer and few days later I had

brought the first 3 clients to him.

How did it make me feel?

I felt so happy and motivated. I also felt satisfied that I could help someone.

What did I learn?

I learned that people would always react positively if the plan you offered them was realistic

and workable.

What surprised me?

I was surprised by how easy it was to convince Mr. Ashraf to accept my plan without him

asking too many difficult questions.

How can I apply this going forward?

I plan to use this strategy going forward and ensure that I build relationships that will be

effective and successful in whatever opportunity that could be available.