Tips from One Founder to Another: Iron Your Clothes
This blog started out on topic. I was going to write something about startups selling into markets with long sales cycles. As I was looking for personal photos to add to my post, something happened.
I came across some old pictures of my dad.
I have avoided looking at these images for some time now. It dawned on me during this moment that I have not properly grieved the loss of my dad who passed a little over a year ago. After his death, I went into instant planning mode as the person who was ultimately responsible for laying him to rest. Not only that, but I was also entering a job hunt phase and soon to begin another job. Staying busy seemed to be the best thing to do, until recently.
Since leaving employment in January for what has become a great new chapter in my life, I have been able to devote more time to what I care about and what I think is important. For the last 90 days, I’ve been redefining what busy means in my life and really throwing myself into conversations with old acquaintances, new friendships and starting to value my time in a whole new way. I am also feeling the freedom to grieve and let that happen. So, perhaps as a step in that direction, I’d like to share my father’s impact on my career and how I ended up following in his footsteps, a path I chose in college.
Dad was On Time and Authentic
Ted Sr. sold ladies’ apparel to retailers in the Midwest. He had an amazing Apparel Center office in downtown Chicago. When he would go to work, he was impeccably dressed and carried a huge smile on his face, ready to work hard for the companies whose lines he carried. He was gregarious and friendly with absolutely everyone, and while it was somewhat rehearsed and polished, there was an undeniable level of authenticity.
My dad taught me the most important parts of being a successful salesperson. These are values I recognize as my own but upon some reflection, these were taught to me by him.
He taught me the importance of punctuality. Showing up on time was the first sign of respect you can show someone.
He taught me to iron my clothes before meetings. Not just in his business, but in any business. It was really important to look your best and look like you care.
He taught me the importance of loyalty. He was fiercely loyal to his customers, always on the road, and always in front of them. He was great on the phone, too, but where he shined was in front of the customer.
He taught me to look people in the eye when you talk and smile with your teeth showing, as a sign of sincerity.
And he taught me the importance of winning by doing the hard work, moving fast and clearly articulating value with calm confidence.
I’d like to think these things are what I bring 100% every day to my work. There have certainly been times when I have not. But in the weeks that have gone by as I now find myself in his shoes within the world of self-employment, I am more comfortable than ever to live my values and teach what I know to others. I believe this will also begin the start of my healing process.
I love and miss you, Dad.
Ted