While I have been an entrepreneur for over 25 years, I still remember what it is like to get a full-time job. What I learned was to have patience and perseverance to make something truly incredible happen.
My husband and I had moved from Dallas TX to San Francisco. I got a job with a major bank in Human Resources, although in those days it was “Personnel.” In less than 2 years, we moved with the law firm to Los Angeles to open a new office.
Our scouting trip was a Friday through Monday to look for a house for us and a job for me. I wanted to transfer within the bank. The most memorable interview on that trip was with the head of the Training Department for Southern California. The position was a Sales Training Officer. I was told he would never hire me because I was not a banker and did not have branch sales experience. I was out to prove them wrong.
The interview process was probably one of the most interesting I have ever had in my career. For over 3 hours, we talked. I realized that he was seeing if I could “sell” him on my ability to do the job and teach others how to sell. We started with the typical needs – benefits model which I handle with knowledge and grace. Then, he tossed in my lack of experience in actual branch banking. He kept circling back to this, I believe, to test my determination and ability. To me objections are just requests for more information and I kept giving him examples of my skill and experience.
It was noon and I expected a “we’ll be in touch.” What I got instead was an invitation to lunch with the team and more questions. Two hours later, I was back in his office. I thought to myself – how long will this go on? It was then that he offered me the position with the comment that I had proven him wrong in the first 15 minutes, but he wanted to see the depth and breadth of my experience and my persistence. I was surprised, but said “yes.” I have never regretted it. I proved to him that it didn’t take a banker to teach banking skills and then, went on to learn every class the department taught and ended up as the VP for a world renowned training group.
Something else I have learned as a business woman is to ask for what you want. If you loved what you just read, this content is not for free. As a form of payment, I am asking you simply to comment or share this on Facebook or tweet about it on Twitter.
Linda Patten, MBA, BSN, RN has over 30 years of experience leading women to success in building and achieving their dreams. She turns networking marketing women from product sellers to leaders of highly functioning teams. To learn more about her innovative programs, click on Contact Us.