I was perhaps trying to rush the sale when dealing with a nice young family who wanted to purchase a new van that very evening. We sat at my desk discussing options, their driving habits and a range of budget. The sale was progressing smoothly. The next step was getting them to test drive the actual vehicle they would own. Like a good salesperson I did not drag them onto the lot. I would "jewel" the car, much like a jeweler will only take one ring out of the case for a customer to evaluate. I would bring one vehicle to show them and that would be the center of their attention.

I told them I would be right back, scooped the keys off the board, and made a dash for our back car lot. Due to a lot of traffic on our lot and a small accident which took place between a customer and our parts truck driver, management made a reactive solution and installed speed bumps at the two main entrances to the lot. I run across the same stretch of parking lot many times a day -- keys in hand -- and this early summer evening was no different. I dashed across the parking lot only to be tripped up by the speed bump. I tumbled across the pavement and into the gravel lot. Tears of humiliation streamed down my face and blood ran from my torn elbow and ripped kneecap. I sat stunned in the gravel for several minutes. It seemed no one had seen me fall. Thank God. I limped into the shop at the back of dealership and collapsed into a chair.

As hard as I tried,I could not stop the tears and painful humiliation I felt. Miss tough-car-salesperson could not get herself together to go back and talk to the customer. My very caring manager took over the sale, although I think he was laughing at me under his breath. I stayed in the back tending to my wounds and trying to regain control over my emotions. When my customers found out what happened they were even more anxious to buy the van. Always stay professional and don't lose your cool, but do not be afraid to show your emotions. They are what make you a good salesperson and communicator. I still joke with those customers today that I sold them their van and have the scar to prove it.