Dunsmuir Shell is a large, profitable Shell station in Victoria, British Columbia. Mr. Dunsmuir has a unique approach which has enabled him to build a successful business.
Most readers of this article would not like to make a career of pumping gasoline in a service station. Dunsmuir Shell recognized that and capitalized on it.
When customers pull into his station, four well-trained, courteous, enthusiastic, motivated young people converge on the car. One opens the door and invites the driver to step out. One reaches inside, unlatches the hood and checks the oil. The first one proceeds to vacuum the car thoroughly. The third one starts pumping the gasoline and immediately grabs the materials to wash not only the windshield, but all the windows. The fourth checks to make certain there is the proper amount of air in all the tires. It’s a friendly place to do business.
The turnover in personnel at Dunsmuir Shell is extremely high – which is expensive – because he trains and motivates his people well. Actually, he encourages the turnover because he tells each one of the young people that the next person who stops in to buy gasoline might be their next employer, so they should give especially good service.
As a result, when people need a motivated, enthusiastic, committed young person for their business, they stop by Dunsmuir Shell to buy gasoline and make an effort to recruit that young person. Frequently, of course, they do exactly that. Dunsmuir, however, has a waiting list of people who want a job. They start with him and move elsewhere.
In the meantime, Dunsmuir has had an extremely effective employee and the young person has learned some valuable lessons about getting ahead in life. Interestingly enough, when those young people get better jobs, guess where they buy their gasoline? That’s building something of value on your lot in life. Take that approach to life and I’ll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
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Zig Ziglar was a motivational speaker and author. His work continues to inspire people all over the world to pursue success and go for their dreams. Learn more about him at www.ziglar.com
* Zig Ziglar is the author of the success classic, See You At The Top