I saw an on Craigslist today stating they needed a salesperson. The ad didn't say anything other than: "Looking for someone who can sell ice to an Eskimo and sand to an Arab." Here was my reply:
Even though I have no personal experience experience in that exact arena, I may be uniquely qualified to assist. Just a few of my qualifications would include:
- My parents met in Alaska and I have a half brother who was born in Alaska so I have some roots there;
- I have had the privilege of salmon fishing in Alaska at the Togiak River Lodge just north of Bristol Bay (not named after any particular Vice President Candidates Daughter);
- While I was in Alaska I noticed some undesirable traits in their local ice including: it was freezer burned, some of it had polar bear excrement on it, and some of it had a hint of yellow implying it was not as pure as the ice I can provide via proper quality control;
- Arabs are a unique demographic so you need to understand the difference between Iran and Iraq. I have been to both countries so I can assist you company in differentiating the two countries and their citizens;
- I graduated from Tehran American School, in Tehran in December 1978 so my Farsi (their language) is a bit rusty but I am confident in my ability to relearn their language;
- I initiated and then was elected as the President of the Tehran American School Ski Club in 1977, so I was accepted into leadership in an Arab country decades ago;
- My high school superintendent was William Keogh whom was taken hostage during the over-through of the Shaw, so I am very familiar with crisis situations;
- My mother used to work at the US Embassy in Tehran so I was trained to be "politically correct" when need be;
- I learned to negotiate from my mother since she was able to go in and deliver items and visit with the hostages in Iran without being taken herself;
- I learned the importance of the company you keep when they would send her to work with a guard riding "UZI" instead of "shotgun";
- I happen to have a piece of the infamous "Lawrence of Arabia's Railroad" from Saudi Arabia on display at my home so I can try my best not to get "railroaded" by them;
- Even though many Arab countries are associated with an excess of sand, it is primarily because they have not hired the right person to market this valuable commodity. Sand has many uses including sand bags, sand paper, being used to melt into glass, and as art.
- Even without any additional manufacturing efforts, you can find "sand roses" as an exportable commodity in many Arab countries.
Just in case I get myself into a situation that I can't get myself out, it is a good thing my oldest son has already been accepted into the US Air Force and will be training for Para Rescue to go in and extract me from a bad situation!
"Iran"-ically, all of the points above are true statements! Therefore, if you really are looking for someone who can sell ice to an Eskimo or sand to an Arab, I might be your guy! I do know for a fact that all these life lessons have definitely helped me be a better person and a better Realtor!
In summary, I do in fact believe in my ability. "I can sell ice to Eskimo's".
In Arabic: يمكنني بيع الثلج لالأسكيمو.
In Farsi (Persian): من می توانم به اسکیموها یخ بفروشند.
I look forward to learning more about the company that placed the ad on Craigslist and how they respond to this reply! I think I will turn this into part of my marketing material for real estate since I know most of my competitors here in Boise, Idaho couldn't hold a candle to this experience. I guess that is why Scentsy started a wickless candle company here in the Boise area!
