First Job, First Lessons: The Power of Goal-Orientedness

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my youth, a tale of my first job and the invaluable lessons it taught me about the importance of being goal-oriented.

My First Job: A Humble Beginning

As a young lad, my first job was at a local grocery store. I was a stock boy, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the shelves were always full and the store was clean. It was a humble beginning, but it was here that I learned the power of setting goals and working towards them.

The Challenge

One day, the store manager set me a challenge. He wanted me to increase the sales of a particular product by 10% within a month. I was a simple stock boy, with no experience in sales or marketing. But I accepted the challenge, and that’s when I learned the importance of being goal-oriented.

Setting the Goal

My goal was clear: increase sales by 10%. But how was I to achieve this? I realized that to reach my goal, I needed a plan. I started by researching the product, understanding its benefits, and identifying the type of customers who would be interested in it. I then devised a strategy to make the product more visible and attractive to these customers.

Working Towards the Goal

Every day, I worked diligently towards my goal. I rearranged the shelves to make the product more visible. I talked to customers about the product, highlighting its benefits. I even suggested it to customers who were unsure about what to buy. Slowly but surely, sales started to increase.

The Result

By the end of the month, not only had I achieved my goal of increasing sales by 10%, but I had exceeded it. Sales had increased by 15%! I had proven to myself and to my manager that even a stock boy could make a difference when he set a goal and worked towards it.

The Lesson

Friends, the lesson I learned from my first job is one that has stayed with me throughout my life. Whether you’re a stock boy at a grocery store or a CEO at a multinational corporation, being goal-oriented is key to success. Set clear, achievable goals. Make a plan. Work diligently towards your goals. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve them.

Remember, it’s not about where you start, but where you’re going. And with clear goals and a determined spirit, there’s no limit to where you can go.

Until next time, keep setting those goals and reaching for the stars.

Kev