Be Persistent

I'd like to relate three experiences where persistence paid off. I wanted a lease on a property where I would build a cafe. It was in a very desirable office complex and there were a number of others seeking to lease the property. I called the leasing agent every week for about two months. At the end of that time, I was awarded the lease. When I asked why I was chosen, the agent said, "because you kept calling."

Another example. When my home teacher was visiting a few weeks ago, we were talking about this and he related that his son had the following experience. He applied for a job and gained an interview. He found that there were a number of candidates who were similarly qualified. He called after the interview, thanked the recruite and reexpressed interest in the position. When he was offered the job, he asked why they had chosen him. The recruiter replied, "you were the only one who called back." It is not always the best qualified who is hired.

A third example. On my third job, I was sitting at my desk one day when I received a phone call from a recruiter. I asked if I would be interested in interviewing for a job with a company in a different part of the country. He said that if I was, he was coming to town the following week and would like to meet me at a hotel. I agreed to meet him. I knew he was interviewing a number of candidates and there would be competition. After we met, he told be there were five other candidates ahead of me. I called him weekly and over a few weeks four of the others washed out. Two of us flew to meet with the senior executives of firm including the CEO. I was offered the position. Never give up if there is still a chance.