Episode 789: The Slow Death of a Salesman

On Top of the World Radio with Chris Story

In this episode, I take you on a journey inspired by an article I wrote, "The High Calling of Sales: Lessons from a Teenage Rite of Passage." It all began with a question I asked myself—whatever happened to that desperate salesman who offered to "bust a gut" to close a deal? This podcast is a short story I wrote as a compendium to that article, reflecting on the memorable encounter that shaped my understanding of what sales truly means.
Join me as I recount a pivotal moment from my teenage years—a snowy afternoon at a used car lot with my dad and his friend, Dave. What should have been a rite of passage turned into a live demonstration of all the things a salesperson should never be. From a pushy salesman’s exaggerated antics to the realization that sales isn't about manipulation but about helping others, this story delves into the deeper purpose behind selling.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a true salesperson from a caricature, or how integrity plays into this profession, this story will give you plenty to think about. Tune in to discover the powerful lessons I learned that day and how they’ve shaped my view on the high calling of sales.
Episode Highlights:

• A comical yet eye-opening encounter with a used car salesman
• The timeless lessons about sales learned as a teenager
• The contrast between self-serving tactics and sales as a service to others
• Why sales, when done right, is a meaningful and noble calling

Tune in now for a thoughtful, humorous, and reflective story that brings sales to life in a way you may not have heard before.