The Little Things

I sold cars for a couple of years when I was between careers. It was an interesting and educational experience. I would recommend it to anyone who needs their temperment adjusted and to learn to live on not so much money.

One episode, however, is worth sharing here. I had been with the dealership for about a month and I guess they decided they would keep me since I had already sold a few cars. They brought in a photographer, took my picture, and had it published in the area newspapers with the standard "...is now offering Pontiac, Buick and GMC product to..." line. A couple of days later I got an envelope in the company mail. It was a clipping of my picture from the local paper paper-clipped to a business card from a local insurance salesman and a brief note that said simply, "I thought you might want a copy of this." I tossed in my desk drawer and, since I already had all the insurance I could afford, promptly forgot about it.

A couple of months later my own insurance agent, who had been my father's agent for years and years and was quite old, passed away. His business turned over to his son and his son did not walk in his father's footsteps. He quickly messed up my portfolio and left me in need of some fixing. I had been spoiled by the great, regular, service of my former agent and had no idea where to turn. I remembered the card in my desk drawer and called the person who had so thoughtfully sent me the newspaper clipping.

We had lunch and chatted about my situation. Bill, my new friend and soon to be insurance agent took on the task of looking into my problems with the company I was with and got things straightened out. He got nothing for it -- he had even paid for the lunch we had that day -- but a couple of months later when the young agent handling my account screwed things up again I promptly called and arranged to move my business to a new company with Bill taking over as my agent.

Taking the time to send me the clipping was a small thing but it got Bill's contact information in front of me. When I needed someone he was there and did the initial work for me with no thought of gain. In the long run he handled all my family and business insurance and other financial matters and did quite well for it.

It pays to do the little things!