The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-04-05
HOW TO SUCCEED.
SOME SOUND ADVICE FOR
YOUNG MEN.
How to Become Successful Busi-
ness Men From Every Stand
point Of the Word, Both as to
Position and Money Making.

A valued correspondent, man of
business, divide and varied experience,
sends US the following pointed para
graphs for publication. When taken
in contrary sense, they contain some
very sound advice, though couched in
language that may be thought-by
the ver-sensitive-to be rather sar-
castle. Men of good common sense,
however, who are anxious to advance,
and who are not already "loaded to
the guards with knowledge, may
obtain ideas from them that will be
beneficial:
The way to become successful
business men from every standpoint of
the word, both as to position and
money making, is not to observe the
following suggestions, but to act in a
directly opposite manner:
If office hours are set from eight
to twelve and from one to six, don't
fail to make it point to arrive at the
Office anywhere from fifteen minutes
to an hour late.
Watch the clock carefully, and try
to get out five to ten minutes before
twelve, and then come back from ten
to thirty minutes past one, or up to
two p. m.
In the afternoon watch the clock
anxiously, and if you see chance to
"escape" without the eyes of the
management upon you, always make
it rule to get out at five o'clock, or
just as much ahead of this as pos
sible.
If you should not happen to be
employed as salesman, don't think
OF such thing as asking visitor in a
polite manner if anything can be done
to serve him. He might think you
were salesman, and this might de-
grade you in his estimation.
When a visitor comes in the store,
never walk forward to greet him.
Always let him walk from the front
door to the inside Of the office, and let
him state his business. This course
makes him feel very much at home.
After he has stated his business,
don't attend to him until his wants are
thoroughly satisfied and he goes away
pleased, but if he is in want of
something else, turn him over to some
subordinate.
They have little or nothing else to
do, and know the business so much
better than any one else, that they are
likely to be pleased with the treat
ment they would by attention from
you.
If you are salesman, don't fail to
see how soon yon can rid yourself of
visitor. Never think of showing him
anything beyond what he asks to be
shown, as it might possibly interest
him and effect sale of other goods.
- Don't act upon the principle that
heavy rents and salaries are being paid
for the very purpose Of inducing peo-
pie to come into the store, in the hope
that they will be shown everything,
both in the way OF goods and advertis-
ing, that could possibly interest them.
Always think that heavy rates and
salaries are simply paid because the
company has lots OF money and are
doing business for glory.
Always act as if you were doing
something of a condenscending nature
when you give your time to visitor.
Don't let him get the idea in his head
that you feel it a. cons!descension upon
his part to visit 'ou.
Take it for granted that all other
houses in your line of business are
doing business upon the same prin-
ciples which you are, and that they
are anxious to save their valuable time
and hustle a man out of the store as
soon as they can, whether it is decently
or politely done or not.
Don't make it appear to your prin-
cipals, or 70 the customer, that you are
bending every energy in the direction
of selling goods, but rather stand upon
the high and lofty principle of being
something better than the average
customer
If you are a book keeper, never
speak to a man in polite and affable
way when he comes to collect bill,
but if the bill is right, sling the money
or check toward him as you would a
piece of meat to hungry dog, and
make hin believe you are doing him a
great favor to pay him what is justly
his due.
If there is any discrepancy in his
! account, always make it appear that
you are the only man in the world who
could have discovered it, and give him
the idea that he has been trying to
rob you. This will make him feel
pleasant toward the house as toward
i, you.
Don't take it for granted that man
likes to see a carefully made bill, but
in making out bill abbreviate every
:. thing you can, and make it as intricate
and hard to understand as possible.
When a mistake occurs in an &C
count or order, don't undertake te
- explain the matter away in pleasant
!. affable manner upon the presumption
s that the man who makes the com
'r plant thinks he is right, but 60 at hin
J. :, i" hammer and tongs" in the shortes
r. and curtest way possible, and try tt
S. impress him with the idea that he i
y always wrong and that you are alway
Ia Ia right. This will give him an idea tha
K he is dealing with a pleasant lot c
y people, and will encourage him t
r bring his business to you the ne,
3, time.
If you see anything going wrong