In the TV 'Apprentice' program 24th Nov. the losing team had the choice of a 9am or 1pm appointment and chose 1pm. Their opposing team took the early one, got the order and came out winners.

I was amongst the top salesmen in my field and recruited, trained and managed top teams and am proud of it.

As a salesman selling business and mailroom systems my most important and profitable cold calls were made early morning and late evening.

For one simple reason which many didn't think of.

In any business, who is first in and last out? THE BOSS, or in professions such as solicitors, accountants, stock brokers etc. the SENIOR PARTNER.

In winter it was easier. In the dusk I could pick out the buildings with a light on easier. Knocking on the door or ringing the bell, it would be the person who makes the decisions who answered, and they recognized and admired someone working the same hours as themselves. I was smartly dressed with a briefcase and sometimes would say to them "don't you wish your sales people worked these hours"? On a couple of times it was the cleaner, but they told the boss.

If I had something on offer which was going to help them improve their business, I got the order or an appointment for a demonstration.

I once made a call on Christmas Eve at 6pm which made me top salesman for the month.

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