Monday, October 02, 2006
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
- Calvin Coolidge
This was on a framed lithograph behind the desk of the owner of the first company I worked for as a salesman. Terry Folmar, owner of Specialty Products in Birmingham AL hired me to sell adhesives, coatings and sealants to the aerospace and defense industries in the southeast. I did very well in my new career as a salesman and in no small part due to his mentoring.
I remember sitting in his office and he turned to this quote, read it out loud and then expounded on the importance of persistence and diligence. I took it to heart! When on the road, I averaged 10 or more sales calls a day because of the call for diligence and persistence. Yes, I did very for Mr. Folmar and myself because of this lesson.
Thanks Terry, I hope you are well.
