Look at these pictures...what do you see?
Yes, obviously that's me...with hair! (Ahhh...memories of follicles gone bye!)
And my prize...my prey...my ruby of great price...my soulmate...my wife Natalie.
Look at me again...suave and debonair...slick...smooth..confident...a player from the Himalaya!
If only that were true.
Truth is...in high school I was painfully shy when it came to girls. I was an athlete (you better recognize!) and an academic (you probably saw that coming!). I was masterful with words in written form...but my "rap" was weak.
The first day of school there was a "buzz" in the air about these new girls...sisters...that had started school. No tweets...no text...just good ole fashioned Pony Express (the bus) buzz!
These two girls were from another country...exotic...untouchable by mortal man. Listening to the chatter on the school bus, I figured I didn't have a chance and kept on reading Lord of the Rings.
But then...I saw her.
Wow! At 14, and in a flash...I knew. Yes, love at first sight does exist!
She walked with an air of haughtiness that I now realize was also shyness...but in that moment...she was simply out of my reach.
"Ah, but a mans grasp should exceed his reach, or what's a heaven for?"
Robert Browning
I would see the legitimately cool confident guys hitting on her. I would hear them do the "guy talk" at basketball practice and on the bus...yes, by then I had put the book down!
At home, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack "Back Together Again" played on endless loop on the 8-track (hey...its 1979 and you cant rewind an 8-track!). I was lovesick and jealous all at the same time...over someone I had never spoken to...
Afraid to approach her, how did I stand a chance?
I did what any self respecting sales person would do (you had to know there was a connection!)...I used the AIDA Method to close the sale!
For those of you unaware, the AIDA Method is an acronym that stands for;
Attention - Interest - Desire - Action
Attention - With the help of some accomplices, I mapped out her daily routine (no...I am not a stalker!). I strategically made it to her 2nd period class right before the bell rang. I was going to say something, panicked, and reached down to tie my shoe. As I got up...she looked at me and said "Hello"...
Phase 1...complete
Interest - Through the underground network of notes, I found out she was coming to a basketball game. This was my element! I was captain, starter, and the only freshman on the team. I even had my own cheering section of freshmen...she joined that group to cheer me on...
Phase 2...complete
Desire - I scored double figures that night but also had a scary moment where I was fouled and fell and hit my head. The crowd gasped...moments passed...but then I emerged dazed but unfazed...hit my two free throws. I looked at the crowd, noticed her...she waved and clapped...I gave her the cool "what's up?" head nod...
Phase 3...complete!
Action - After the game, she and a couple of girlfriends hung out waiting for me to come out of the locker room (Wilt Chamberlain...eat your heart out!)...she passed me a note and said "goodbye"...
Phase 4...complete!
That was 1979...fast forward to April 11, 1987...I closed the Big Account...
My Last Sale!
Today, we celebrate 27 Years...I am grateful and blessed!
Make no mistake, there have been challenges and obstacles - the things that mark all of us - common struggles and shared moments of births & deaths, feast & famine, joy and tears. Yet through commitment and dedication we enjoy the large and small victories that mark the evolution of life that we all live...with the ones we love.
If you are lucky enough to share your life with someone...tell them today...and everyday.
Sales is tough...but marriage can be tougher...I share some of that over the next few days...
Until tomorrow, I wish you something Money, Power, Success can't provide...Love!
Next Time: Spouses Deserve the M.V.P!
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