Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter Ch 4

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Questions and Answers

What was Ernest's main expectation for Bill after his graduation?

To join a community service organization.

To find employment and be active in the real world. (correct)

To pursue higher education immediately.

To focus on his health and well-being.

Why did Bill consider gardening a logical job choice despite his father's view?

It was the only job available in his neighborhood.

It required no transportation and he enjoyed well-manicured yards. (correct)

It was the only job he was physically able to do.

He was inspired by other successful gardeners.

How did the narrator view Bill's father's approach to encouraging him to work?

She fully supported it as she wanted him to be responsible.

She didn’t have much opinion on the matter.

She thought it was neglectful and detrimental to his health.

She felt it was too harsh and lacked empathy for his condition. (correct)

What change did Bill desire regarding his job situation?

To have more social interaction and higher wages. Signup and view all the answers

What employment opportunity did Bill's mother suggest to him?

Becoming a salesperson for United Cerebral Palsy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for Bill Porter's initial rejections from various job opportunities?

His speech impediment. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Bill Porter take after being deemed unemployable?

He began screening job ads independently. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bill respond when the Fuller Brush Company representative dismissed him?

He felt inspired to continue proving himself. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Bill to learn more about the Watkins products he was selling?

To increase his chances of making a sale. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bill's interaction with the Watkins director reveal about his perseverance?

His confidence in his selling skills led to gaining a trial position. Signup and view all the answers

What was Bill's initial approach to generating income before he experienced a downturn in sales?

Selling door-to-door with regular customers Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Bill come to regarding his sales approach after his initial success?

He required a product that encouraged repeat sales Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Bill was let go from the pharmacy job?

His cerebral palsy affected his physical coordination Signup and view all the answers

Which job did Bill attempt after being let go from the cashier position at Goodwill Industries?

Loading trucks at the Salvation Army Signup and view all the answers

What is described as one of the most humiliating experiences in Bill's search for employment?

Standing in line at the unemployment office Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bill Porter's Career Journey

Bill Porter, a graduate of Lincoln High School, faced the challenge of finding employment despite cerebral palsy.
His father urged him to "Get a job!" immediately after graduation.
Bill initially found work gardening for neighbours, earning $4 a week.
This wasn't fulfilling for Bill or his father, who felt it wasn't a proper job.
Bill's mother suggested selling items for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in a fundraising drive.
Bill thrived as a UCP salesman, earning favourable recognition and higher income.
A market downturn in UCP items prompted Bill to think of selling different products.
Bill created his own catalog of products from a mail order catalogue, using illustrations and pricing.
Bill expanded his sales territory and excelled, becoming the top salesman at Watkins, Inc.

Challenges Faced by Bill

Bill's cerebral palsy limited his employment options significantly.
He struggled with jobs requiring manual labor, such as stocking, cashiering, and loading.
He faced numerous rejections from potential employers, despite his enthusiasm and salesmanship skills.

Bill's Success Strategies

Bill's persistence in searching for appropriate jobs and refusal to accept "unemployable" status were key to his success.
He focused on sales roles rather than manual jobs, owing to his prior experience.
He used illustrations in his own sales catalogs to overcome communication barriers resulting from his speech impediment.
Bill tailored his approach for different customer needs, including using the 100% money-back guarantee to his advantage.
Bill adapted his sales strategies based on individual feedback and customer needs.

Bill's Personal Impact

Bill's perseverance inspired his mother and other people.
Bill's career story is often shared to encourage others to overcome difficulties.
The story illustrates that individual determination and resilience can lead to success, regardless of personal limitations.

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Description

Explore the inspiring career journey of Bill Porter, a determined individual who overcame the challenges of cerebral palsy to become a top salesman. From gardening to excelling at Watkins, Inc., Bill's story showcases resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.