Letters From an Old Time Salesman to His Son

James

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528118917
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Management
• Index: Business

Letters From an Old Time Salesman to His Son is a classic collection of heartfelt and practical advice, originally published in 1918, written by William L. Stidger. The book is structured as a series of personal letters from a seasoned, old-fashioned traveling salesman to his young son, who is just beginning his own career in sales. Through these letters, the father imparts not only the technical skills and strategies necessary for success in the sales profession, but also timeless wisdom about character, integrity, perseverance, and the importance of building genuine relationships with customers. The letters are filled with anecdotes drawn from the father's own experiences on the road, offering vivid glimpses into the life of a traveling salesman in early 20th-century America. He shares stories of triumphs and setbacks, the importance of honesty and reputation, and the value of hard work and adaptability. The father emphasizes the significance of understanding human nature, listening to clients, and always striving to provide real value rather than just making a quick sale. Beyond the practicalities of salesmanship, the book is rich with reflections on life, ambition, and personal growth. The father encourages his son to maintain optimism, to learn from failure, and to never lose sight of the human side of business. He discusses the importance of self-discipline, continuous learning, and the courage to face rejection and adversity. Letters From an Old Time Salesman to His Son is more than just a manual for aspiring salesmen; it is a warm, wise, and inspiring guide to living a principled and fulfilling life. Its lessons remain relevant for anyone seeking success in business or personal endeavors, making it a valuable read for modern readers interested in the enduring principles of salesmanship and personal development.

Table of contents

• Letters from An Old Time Salesman to His Son
• CONTENTS
• The Story Behind These Letters
• THE TRAVELING MAN
• The Boy Starts Out—Green and Gullible But Full of Pep
• The Boy Writes That He Has Arrived as a “Regular” Salesman
• The Boy Thinks the House Should Accept Cancellations
• The Boy Has Been Promoted to a “Special” Salesman
• Dad Gives the Boy Some Sound Advice Regarding Team Work
• The Boy Is Having His Troubles as a Branch Manager
• Dad Tells the Boy Why It Pays to Advertise
• Dad Counsels the Boy to Throw Away His Knickers and Put on Long Pants
• The Boy Has Begun to Solicit Dad’s Counsel
• The Boy Has Told Dad of His Latest Pet “Peeve”
• The Boy Has Met the Girl—He Sounds Dad Out on Matrimony
• The Boy Has Been Bragging a Little
• Dad Warns of the Evil Spirit That Whispers “You Haven’t Time”
• The Boy Is Given an Unfailing Formula for Landing a Bigger Job
• Hal Is District Manager Now—His Problem Is Winning the Respect of Men
• Dad Drops in on a Branch Manager and Finds the Spirit of the Time
• The Boy Gets a Chance to See Himself as Others See Him
• Dad Tips Off the Boy to a New Job
• Dad Gets a Lesson from a Trip to the Farm
• Dad Takes an Interest in the Boy’s Big Sales Contest
• Dad Surrenders When the Boy Lands the Big Job