***With this submission I just hit 100,000 points! Wow. That is the truth.***
The very next morning I was heading out the door to interview for the
job. I couldn't wait! I was so excited! I drove straight to the address
specified and found the office. It looked so big and intimidating to
me! There was so much glass and I could see the secretary through the
windows answering the phones and it looked so professional. I
took a deep breath and entered and walked straight to the secretary.
Hi, I'm here to apply for the sales job you have in the paper? She
looked me over and said, "I will accept your resume and get it to Mr.
Grisham."
My heart sank. "Resume? I'm sorry I don't have a resume. Is Mr. Grisham
available?" Again, she looked at me. She replied sharply..."Mr. Grisham
will evaluate your resume and will contact you for an interview. Do you
have advertising experience, she asked?" "Well, uh, no not really but I
would really like a chance to talk to Mr. Grisham about the job,
please?" "Minimum requirement is two years in advertising and
sales," she barked.
She reached into her desk and pulled out an
application for employment and handed it to me. "You can fill this out
and I will give it to him." I took the form and went over to the seat.
I had absolutely nothing to put into those blanks. My experience was
sales but nothing like what they were looking for. I wanted to cry. I
walked past the desk and said, "thank you, I will fill this out at
home." And, that was that.
I did not cry and I did not fill out the form. I sat in my car for
almost an hour praying for inspiration. I remember this hour vividly.
Across the parking lot was a Denny's Restaurant (Lenny's) and
miraculously my plan was formed! I made a visit to Denny's and bought a
couple of slices of Banana Nut Bread. 
I went back to my car and ate one
while I memorized my plan. It was getting closer to lunch time. I
grabbed the box and an envelope out of my glove compartment and marched
back in with a prayer on my breath. "Make the mean secretary go away,
make the mean secretary go away." I carefully peeked through
the glass and could see her desk. Thank you. Thank you. She was gone
and there sat another lady. "whew"
I lifted my chin, corrected my posture and walked back in. With as much
authority as I could muster I said to her, "I am with the San Antonio
Star, and I have a check for Mr. Grisham." She reached out her hand and
said she would deliver it. "NO, I said. I was told to deliver it to him
personally." She said, "your name?" I think I made something up! She
said, "have a seat."
My heart was pounding, my hands were shaking, my anti-perspirant quit
all together. After a quick call she looked at me and said, "Mr.
Grisham said to go on back." I walked the long hall. You know the hall
in the horror movies that grows and grows and gets longer and further
away? That hall. There it was. There he was. I walked in. Offered my
hand and he shook it. I then began spewing like an auctioneer in a race.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Grisham I lied and that's the truth but I brought you
this banana nut bread to say I'm sorry and the secretary wouldn't let
me see you and I don't have a resume but I want the job you have in the
paper and I don't have the experience but I promise I will do a great
job for you and no one will work harder than me and I....
His disgruntled look turned to a big smile. "Sit down, he said!" He looked kind. He checked the banana nut bread. I calmed down and we talked. I gave it all I had. By the time he seemed to be done he looked at me and said, "Can you start ASAP?" I looked at him blankly nodding my head because it all seemed to be positive...till he said, "you don't know what that means do you?" My head was then shaking side to side.
"Can you start as soon as possible?" It still took a moment to
sink in what he was saying but I stood, shook his hand and said, "I
have the job?" "Yes." I could have leaped buildings in a single bound!
I did everything but cartwheels on my way out!
I got the job.
My position was selling advertising in a booklet to business owners of Restaurants, Hair Stylists, and so forth. After about 9 weeks of my 12 week position, Mr. Grisham called me to his office.
He said, "Deb, I've
got good news and not so good news. We thought it would take the summer
but you have sold out the advertising slots and the position is now
complete."
They were very happy with my production but my job ended
early and so did the paychecks. I was blessed with a great
recommendation that helped kick start my careers in life. I learned
that a person is capable of doing just about anything they put their
minds to. The summer gave me confidence, sales and advertising
experience and a great lease on life.
This is by far one of my most positive moments. And, it lasted a lifetime.
If you are looking for Waterfront or Lake Area Property I am your Lake Livingston Real Estate Specialist.
Lake Livingston is my home. I have a deep love of The Piney Woods and am Proud to be a Realtor! Lake Livingston Real Estate is one of the few Undiscovered Secrets in Texas. SSSShhhh...
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Well if that ain't an Ace in the Hole! I can't imagine anyone topping that - absolutely entertaining, kept my interest throughout the whole long long post - and it gave me confidence without it even happening to me! Wowee! :-)Who knows? ?
That is surely a story for anyone who's soul is weary! Get up and do it is the theme ..with a loaf of banana nut bread :)
P.S. Congratulations on the milestone!
Deb- That is a movie! I am thinking Erin Brokovitch ( spelled wrong) as I am reading your post! Amazing, guts and all! I love it!
Liz, I'm glad you enjoyed it! As I was writing it I realized that with this post I would hit 100,000 points! That experience affected my entire life...I'm glad it gave you confidence!
Sally, it even sooths my soul to write about it. Writing about it brought it all back. It was a great time. I still love banana nut bread!
Have a wonderful Sunday and Father's Day ladies! Later in the rain~Deb
Wow, what a great story! Your audacity and creativeness certainly paid off in getting your foot in the door.
Katerina, you are toooooo funny! Actually, I suppose that I could write a book! Couldn't we all? Tell Nestor Happy Father's Day and you have a great one too! Later in the rain~Deb
Hey my Enter Word is"""""""breadnut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!strange.
Christine, Audacity is a great word for me...that has yet to change. Thanks for reading!
Later in the rain~Deb
Congrats on the milestone!
That was one lie worth telling. Great story and very entertaining. Thank you ; )
What an awesome story! I wish I had that kind of nerve. It kind of reminds me of Erin Brokovich. By the way... did you just make up that story for your blog to get points? Just kidding. No, really. Did you? Kidding again.
- Dennis
Michael, thank you so much!
Kelli, he forgave me. I've never regretted it.
Dennis, I can assure you I didn't make it up. I have many others!
Later in the rain~Deb
Debra: What an absolutely amazing story. Your motivation and incredible attitude counted so much more than anyone else's experience. Great job, and Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Debra... for some reason, all of my comment came out in bold print ?? Anyhoo... the pictures and graphics in your post are just great. And... congratulations on reaching 100,000 points. Way to go, Woman !
Deb, I absolutely love this story of courage. No wonder you are such a success.
DEB - What a great story! I'm not surprised that they hired you. That type of position is more about determination than it is about experience. You've inspired me to share a similar story that had a different ending.
Deb - This was really great ! I enjoyed reading all it. It reminded me of some of those "desperate " single mother moments where you just do whatever you have to do to get the job ! Thanks for sharing !
DEB, what a heartfelt story. So that was your start in sales and look at you now!!! Isn't it weird the different paths we all take. Sales is not one of those things where you say "I think I want to be in sales when I grow up".
Deb, Thank you for the positive and uplifting story. Sometimes in life we just have to take a chance and not worry about the outcome. And when we look back at ourselves because of some one thing, we know we made the right choice. Great real life story....
Excellent story. One you should be proud of!
Karen Anne, thak you so much! When I was putting the post together I realized it would be my milestone breaker! I'm not surprised. The positive that came from that day has affected my whole life. And, a 100,000 points too!
Brian, Coming from such a "go getter" I take that as high praise.
Adam, I learned so much from that summer. It lives within me. I wouldn't be opposed to going back to that time for a visit like Peggy Sue.
Mylissa, I thank you too. I was so young. So young.
Marchel, actually it was my start "making any money" in sales. I started selling at age 17. Anything I could get my hands on!
Kim, that was one of the "few" times I made the right choice!
Connie, I thank you. I'm glad I wrote it. I love being able to remember these special moments. I can close my eyes and be sitting in their offices!
Later in the rain~Deb
Hi Kid - Yeah you. Great inspirational post! You are "The Natural". I've seen you at work first hand, and I know. Congratulations on reaching 100K points. What a milestone! On to the next!
Love you-S
Deb, You are such an amazing person. No wonder you are such a success in Real Estate, and in life for that matter.
You have what it takes, drive and determination. What an inspirational story you have shared!
Thank you dear! You're pretty darned good yourself! Happy Father's Day! Meet you later for dinner...
Elizabeth, we must have a mutual admiration club going! I admire just how busy you seem to be and still be sitting at the top of the pile! You are an amazing woman yourself. Thank you for allowing me to call you my friend!
Later in the rain~Deb
Deb- As you know I can't comment much cuz Sally has me judging again :) But like Liz I read EVERY word, and like Liz it kept me mesmorized :) What a truly uplifting experience......I'll be back after the contest :)
I love this story Deb. I;d of given you the job too - the only thing missing is how mean secretary treated you after you started working there!
Deb, That story was amazing! I would venture to say it took a lot of guts to do something like that, but it definitely shows tenacity and I completely understand why he hired you! And a great story to remember when you feel like things are down, you can DO IT!
Deb, that's a great story!! The pics are cute too. Thank you for sharing this aspirational story. All the best...
That is such as great story. good for you for being so bold.
What a great story. You did exactly what a salesperson should have done. You had already proved your worth as a salesperson by getting your foot in the door. Awesome! =)
I loved your story! It is no wonder he hired you on the spot, or that you sold out early with that kind of drive, determination and follow through. It was an inspiring story!
Kathy, you are wonderful yourself! There are certain people that you just love reading and for me you are one of them! Thank you so much for the compliment.
Simon, you know...I don't even remember her for a second time. I worked with the management crew in the back and she was just the fielding player...I had a key.
Karen, I am glad you liked it. I knew that I could do what it took to make them successful. To date, I have saved two companies from bankruptcy and I did it without ownership. My husband and I are working on one as we speak that will be ours! Thank you so much for the sincere support and friendship. You know how much it its welcomed!
Yvette, the pics are part of what made me enjoy the writing of the story. I remember it so well that I could feel what she was feeling...oh yeah, that was me.
Lisa, thank you and I believe he thought the same thing! If she had the (*^#*( to do that for him he knew I could get in to see business owners!
Melissa, I was such a go getter I could have sold out of ice cubes in the dead of winter...really.
Thank you all for reading. I so appreciated it. Later in the rain~Deb
Muldowny group, thank you for coming by and reading and leaving your feelings about it. Is it kinda like Dick Van Dyke? I loved him.
I actually took time to read this...all of this. Your story-telling kept my interest to read to the end. You did a great job.
Deb, Great story...knowing you, I'm not surprised at all!! :)
Latonia, thank you for reading! It was a wonderful day for me
and Judi I couldn't believe I hit 100,000 points with this inspirational post! It suits me just fine. I hope the plans for the wedding are going well for you and we should visit soon!
Thank you ladies,
Later in the rain~Deb
Debra: I wonder how many of us HAVEN'T lied to get a job....? at least once in our lifetime. Good story!
Debra, what a great story about tenacity and perseverance. Good for you!
cuddos to you. I am glad you had the courage to overcome that obstacle. I on the other hand hope if I encounter something like that, well I hope I have the courage also. I am not sure about the lieing though.
You go girl... this was the best story I have read on Active Rain. Who cares about the lie, unless this story is a lie so that you could get your points. lol
Congratulations on your 100,000 points and that was a very entertaining story.
Debra, Here's a toast to your milestone of 100k points.
And a wonderful entertaining well deserved featured post.
Great job, Deb. I was a "Kelly girl" at one point. They said to me, "Can you use a switchboard." Of course I can! lol. I was panicking, cutting folks off... never seen a switchboard in my life! But by the end of the week I had it down & they wanted to hire me. I had to say no, didn't like the company. But boy did I learn about stretching the truth!
Debra 1st of all Congrats on the 100k Mark, hope my 100k post will be this great! Second of all I love the anime pictures you put up :) Last I just love this story!!! Wow talk about all the things I would love to hire in a person, shows confidence, shows motivation, shows ethics (You acknowledged you lied but offered reassurance and a token of appreciation) personal accountability and sucess! Wow you just floored me with all these great qualities, whoever has you as their Realtor should be proud. Great post!!
Way to go Deb! Sometimes we have to make our own luck... and I would say you did one helluva job. Loved the story.
Yup....I got more than one summer job when there were signs that said "Not Hiring" because I knew I wanted to work there...I knew I could do the job and I knew I could do it well..."I think I can, I think I can..I KNOW I CAN !" We can only learn from this and the little engine that could and did !
I believe we can truthfully say this was a defining moment in your career. Thank you for sharing---it was very interesting.
Hi Deb,
Great story it takes guts to go get what you want! I was hoping that the secretary got fired too....;)
congrats!
Thank you so much everyone! I am humbled by all these comments...really. I was just a kid going after what I wanted to the best of my ability.
My father was the type of gentleman that would kick up a conversation with absolutely anyone. He could make friends with the people at the table right next to us while dining. He taught me to speak up and to go after what I wanted. I attribute my gutsiness to him.
I love to sell. I love working with people. I love what I do. I will make the time to answer each one of you.
I thank you for your comments. So much. Y'all are great! Later in the rain~Deb
Deb -- Loved your story. . .you had great courage! I also love your graphics, makes it a great looking blog as well!
Way to go. Great Story. What spunk you had! Wish you were in my market area. You would make a great friend.
Donna Grady
Deb - This is some seriously creative problem solving that you exhibited. Thanks for sharing this cool story!
Hey Deb - Grrreat story. I read all of it, which is unusual for me as I often skim them or don't read them at all. Anyway, I appreciated yours and thanks a lot for making me smile this morning.
Cheeers!
David
Hi Kat, yes I'm sure we have...or at least stretched the truth. I have a difficult time telling an untruth and the only way I could justify it was with an open I'm sorry!
Colleen, I think you were probably much the same way in your youth! It just seems to me you have that drive.
Angelia, it was a "short" lie. Really, he forgave me.
Judy, it's the truth. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a moment that gave me courage in the future.
Wayne, Thank you!
I will visit more of you soon. I have a conference call to tend to! Thank you all.
Later in the rain~Deb
You GO Girl! What an inspiration .... just do it! Justified... at least it was a really quick lie - it didn't last that long :) lol.
Deb - The previous comment was not from a stalker... I forgot to log in!
Congratulations on 100,000!!!
The story is very funny! So many obstacles when you are young, yet they help shape who we are to become! Good Job!
Melanie
Deb - You rock girl!!! Anyone who could do what you did would be a star in any field. By the way love the pictures.
Deb! You go girl!! What a story. It took guts and determination. I knew you were one great lady for more than one reason. I'm glad I know you even if it is through AR...Keep smiling!
Deb...
If you ever decide to retire from Real Estate you could become an author :). That was so thoroughly enjoyable, and I could just picture you doing it!
Pretty flowers for a pretty lady...Deb my friend!
Congratulations on your milestone...you are awesome! Liz
Deb - are you a sign from God?! I saw an ad for a job that I WANT just this morning. I have already been told that she has two people that are in training. ;-( I have been thinking about what I should do? Let it go or keep pushing? I want this job. Now I think I know what to do! Thanks Deb oh ... I loved your post. Well written and illustrated too. A pleasure to read.
Hi Deb, Terrific story. I'm sure there were lessons in there which will stand by you a long time.
Great story - an excellent example of the power of will power!
Melanie, thank you for reading! You seem like a very nice person. I'll bet you have the greatest mom in the world. Wanna go to Disney World? Cool. Your mom. Deb
Pam, thanks, I liked the pics too. And you know what? You rock too!
Becky, you seem like a dynamite female yourself! Maybe we can work it out to meet someday. I would really like that.
Liz, my dear, I need to send you flowers for your win today. I am really so glad if it wasn't us that it was you! It's a good consolation prize! Luv ya. Deb
Sharon, I don't think I'm a sign from God but if you would like to talk my number is 936-661-2624. Go get it!
Bill, thank you. It gave me the confidence I use daily now. Great willpower.
David, we all have it within us. If we want something we have to go get it...
Later in the rain~Deb
Deb,
I enjoyed this story so much! I love the presentation of it too.....awesome creativity and persistence at getting that job.
Jo
Who would have thought Dennys nut bread would help one to get a dream job? Love the pictures and you are such an entertaining writer!
Thank you Jo and thank you Cathleen! The banana nut bread was really very good! I thank you both so much!
Later in the rain~Deb
I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me!
In other words, great story, great inspiration.
Good story and congrats to you on the milestone. Your blogs are always so interesting. I wished I had your creativity!
Deb, check out this post -- it's Carl Winters post about Texas AR Birthdays! Add your b'date to the list!
"dancing in the rain". . . Judi
Hello miss dancing! Okay, I'll go by there. Hey I see you may be able to make it to our get together in August. I certainly hope you will! I need a vacation...that's for sure. Later in the rain~Deb
Deb, I really want to see everyone again and meet those that didn't make it to the last one! Once "we" (as in Jason) decide when and where, it'll be on my calendar -- like you said, the only thing that will keep me away is a million dollar sale (or some last minute pre-wedding disaster :( )
Thanks I enjyed reading your story. Lot of chutzpah! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Michael, sounds like quite a compliment to me! Right back at you! Later in the rain~Deb
Deb, oh my....you rock ! This is one of the best I have read. What a testimony to what will happen if you want something bad enough and think outside the box.
That's a great story, Deb! Thank you for sharing this and inspiring us all!
Very inspirational story. Thanks for sharing!
Missy, thank you for the kudos! It's just a matter of wanting it enough! Just as you said. I can sit on the sofa and wish for a million dollars but what good is that going to do? We have to get out there and make it happen! You are a great role model. I appreciate your comment.
Later in the rain~Deb
Christopher, You are more welcome than you can imagine. I had a ball putting this together. I could never re-create the actual drive and excitement I felt then but it was fun trying to relive it.
Laura, thank you. We all have it in us to excell!
Later in the rain~Deb
This was a really charming read. Thank you for sharing it with us and good for you. Thinking out side the box, doing a good job, and what did you do next? BTW congratulations on the 100,000 points I did that last week and couldn't believe I had gotten so many points. Now I am on to 200,000 points.
Deb, did you get my email?
Deb, did you get MY email???
"Dancing in the Rain!" . . . Judi
Deb - I would have hired you. Yes you have what it takes to be sucessful in a sales environment. I totally enjoyed your story, and congratulation on the milestone.
Miriam, 200000 sounds like a great goal to me...off I go!
Judi, yes dear. I will contact you shortly.
Jennifer, and, I would have been proud to have gone to work for you! So, right back at ya!
Later in the rain~Deb
Deb - Ceil was a recruiter (head hunter for 22 years) She gave away so many candidates by giving them job leads that she knew she could not place that particuar candidate because they did not have specific experience. She spent time helping them write their resume, how to dress, how to interview, follow-up etc. Those people never forgot what she did to help them. She found talent in everyone, just had to be the right person for the right job and gave them the opportuniy to prove themself.
All you needed was that one opportunity to prove that you could do the job. That in return has contributed to your many successes in your career. Persistence and a plan will pay off.
Congratulation on a great blog.
great post! thanks for sharing :)
Hi Carl! Ceil knows what it's like then to try and place a square peg in a round hole! Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't! Ceil is a great lady and should feel really good about what she's done!
Thanks Kara.
Later in the rain~Deb
Deb - Congrats on winning the contest! I was hoping you would, although I didn't read all of the entries.
Wonderful post Deb~! Congrats on winning the contest, much deserved!! You took an opportunity and made it magic. Lots to be said for that. Kudos for a wonderful story, post, & entry into the contest. Have a great weekend.
Jason, thanks! I have yet to read all of them. That's going to be my "my time".
Jason S, thank you so much too! It was a magic time for me! It truly helped to shape my life. It's always to remember the good things and not the negative. I say "let's celebrate the good."
Later in the rain~Deb
Congratulations on your first place win for the contest!
Thank you Sally! I do so appreciate the chance to enter a story that means a lot to me. I'm sure we all have them. Again, thank you.
Later in the rain~Deb
Debra,
Thank you for sharing your amazing triumph and victory. Goes to show you what a determined woman can do when she puts her mind to it! You Go Girl! Congratulations on your win also! And of course I loved your pictures ,too!
Have a Colorful Day!
Deb, What a truly wonderful story. Just goes to show that if you put your mind to doing something, you can, and don't let anything stop you. Great post.
Deb....multiple congratulations!!!! Congrats for your 100K points. Congrats for your first place win. And Congrats for having the guts and determination to get into that boss. Your story provides a great example of prayer, determination and persistence.
Great story and the layout/graphics is fabulous!!!!!
A great story about how perseverance pays!
Debra:
Great title, great story and without a doubt inspiring. I especially enjoyed the part where you got the the inspiration to go to Lennys and buy the treat. I also, think it is awesome, that Mr. Grisham recongizes your ability. Congrat's on a great post. I am going to bookmark it and re-read it when I feel the need for some inspiration.
Guess what Debra, I think I'm the 100th commenter! Great story. I can see why Gary put it in the week in review. I'm going to back and read more of your stuff.
I love your gumption!!! It's great to hear stories of somone who took the bull by the horns and succeeded when others had doubts!
What a great story. It shows that determination and ingenuity really can carry the day! BTW, I found this because it was in Week In Review (and deserves to be).
Well I knew this was "THE" post the first time I read it! And obviously I wasn't alone. Congratulations on winning the contest and one being picked in Gary's Week in the Review.......definitely a Wowser..:-)
They always say persistence wins... you sound just like my daughter. I would never have had the courage (or guts).
Irene! Thank you for reading. A determined woman is as strong as a bull! Just don't put me in a china shop!
Thank you Bob, you know I have a step son in the Army. He's in Iraq right now. I'm very proud of him.
Sondra, you have congrats coming too! Congratulations on your win for the BBQ contest. I voted for you! And, now I'm hungry.
Carol, welcome to my subscribers! I will get to know you soon. I'm looking forward to it. Welcome! And, I'm enjoying your posts too!
Lorraine and Loretta, Long time no talk to! I'm so glad to hear from you two. How's the business going? Slowing? No? Great. I will come by and visit. Don't be strangers anymore!
Susan, you are my number 100! I stopped by and read your post today. I cried. I also enjoyed it. Everyone should read it. They will either relate or be grateful that they had what they had.
Pam, I'm a bull at heart. Really!
Rich, thank you! I'm honored to be there with so many great writers!
Liz, you are a doll and a good friend.
Jan, better watch out after that girl. Gary calls me a risk taker.
Thank you all for reading. Later in the rain~Deb
What a wonderful story and very well written- A wonderful life lesson for all!
Good luck and Sell Well!
Allison, thank you for the comment and I'm glad you enjoyed it. It taught me to go after success. I live by that today too! Thanks again and you sell well!
Later in the rain~Deb
Great story! You demonstrated how important it is to never, ever give up! What a tesitimony for future clients who need dedication on their side...
kk
Thank you KK! I am dedicated to customer service and I always try to put their interests first! So many of us do that it's a shame our profession to have such an overall shadow from the general public. We just have to keep it up and eventually our value will be discovered.
Later in the rain~Deb
Thank you KK! I am dedicated to customer service and I always try to put their interests first! So many of us do that it's a shame our profession to have such an overall shadow from the general public. We just have to keep it up and eventually our value will be discovered.
Later in the rain~Deb