Some know him as Cutco Mike, or maybe My Knife Guy. Gateway CEO welcomed Mike Dawid to Gateway CEO last week. Mike is the #4 Sales Rep with Cutco and has sold over $10M dollars of their products as he has built his career for the last 20 years. What started out as a yes to an opportunity at 19, now provides for he and his family beyond what they could have imaged 20+ years ago. Mike said when he started that he would do this until something better came along. And, nothing yet has driven him to try something different.
While technically Mike sells knives for a living, what he focuses on is the best customer service, having fun and building relationships. This is at the foundation of his success, along side his family and his faith. Mike loves the company he represents as they are American made, very high quality, and guaranteed forever. No small print requirements on these products. Mike had some life advice and really great sales tips for our students as they prepare for their next chapters. Here are some insights:
- Your relationships in your business is everything. They become your family! Those who like you, trust you and know you, will continue to do business with you.
- Service is always first and sales comes second. As he has grown his business, he finds that giving first, has the opportunity to grow a customer base.
- With so many given an opportunity to direct sales, it's apparent that the road less traveled, is the most successful one. As he told a student - he just never quit! Keep going and success will follow.
- Mike believes strongly in the law of reciprocity. Always look at the long term advantage.
- With over 75 years in business, Cutco employs more than 700 union steel workers and they have never had to lay any of them off. The company stands behind their products, their employees and their sales reps.
- While Cutco is not the cheapest knife on the market, their quality is what will be remembered long after the price is forgotten.
- How do you keep going on the tough days in the business? The goal is always to build each other up. There is plenty of room to be all skyscrapers! No reason to burn others in the process.
- Your smile is your greatest value. Stand tall, make eye contact and ALWAYS own when you make a mistake.
- Set goals. Well done is always better than well said. If you can improve just 1% each day, in 100 days, you will be 100% better.
- Have fun and be CREATIVE with your marketing. What can you do that will help you be remembered? It typically takes 7 touches to earn a customer's business. Don't be afraid to go outside the box with social marketing.
- How do you deal with rejection? Always remember - some will, some won't, someone better is waiting! Just keep moving forward!
Not only was Mike generous with bringing in bagels for the students, he also had a drawing for a custom Gateway CEO spreader! Congrats to Drew Jansen for winning this!
Thank you for supporting Gateway CEO! This was a perfect introduction to the direct sales business model. We appreciate you!!
