The teacher assigned her class a weekend project: to sell something and then present on effective sales techniques. When the kids returned to class on Monday morning, they were buzzing with excitement.
Little Sally was the first to share. “I sold Girl Scout cookies and made $30,” she announced proudly. “My strategy was to appeal to the customers’ civic spirit, and I believe that’s why I did so well.”
“Very good,” the teacher replied.
Next up was Little Jenny. “I sold magazines,” she said, “and I made $45 by explaining to everyone how magazines keep them up to date on current events.”
“Very good, Jenny,” the teacher praised.
Finally, it was Little Johnny’s turn, and the teacher braced herself.
Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom and dumped a box overflowing with cash on the teacher’s desk. “I made $2,467,” he declared.
“$2,467!” gasped the teacher. “What on earth were you selling?”
“Toothbrushes,” replied Little Johnny.
“Toothbrushes?” the teacher echoed, astonished. “How could you possibly sell enough toothbrushes to make that much money?”
“I found the busiest corner in town,” Little Johnny explained. “I set up a Dip and Chip stand and gave everyone who walked by a free sample.”
He continued, “They all said the same thing: ‘Hey, this tastes like dog crap!’ Then I would say, ‘It is dog crap. Want to buy a toothbrush?’ I used the government’s strategy of giving away something terrible for free and then making them pay to get the taste out of their mouths.”
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