THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD

by Og Mandino

 This book is written as a legend, but its lessons are invaluable through history. The legend is used to gain and hold our attention. Each chapter thereafter gives us a lesson in salesmanship. Salesmanship is an area in which teachers should be better prepared, vocational teachers especially! Teachers must be able to sell their programs to students, parents, and the community. Technology planners must also sell their plans and visions to these same groups. A vision without a salesman usually goes nowhere. This book gives us the means for preparing our committees to sell our plans.

 Lesson One: Develop patience and determination that your work will succeed.

 Lesson Two: Foster a positive attitude for the end-product of the technology plan you are creating. In other words, gain a love and understanding for the students of your school or District.

 Lesson Three: Don't quit until you have the best plan you and your committee can devise.

 Lesson Four: Remember that you are unique and that each one of us can bring a unique view of teaching and technology to the planning process.

Lesson Five: Live each day as if it is your last. I feel that we should give the planning process the best of our mind and efforts.

Lesson Six: Master your emotions and keep them under control at all times. During the planning process, you may not always agree with how the committee may decide to accomplish or view some of the technology plan. Always keep your temper.

 Lesson Seven: Stay happy. There is no good reason to get upset with a committee. This just leaves us upset and unhappy and conflicts with the planning process.

Lesson Eight: Determine that the plan will increase the value of your students a hundredfold. That is what we want. So don't go into a planning process with any lesser expectations. Always remind your committee that this is the main use for technology.

 Lesson Nine: Take a stand, and ensure that the plan is put into action. All of the planning and work are worthless unless the plan is put into action by your school district.

 Lesson Ten: Always look for guidance for your committee and yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help and training. This is a process, and we are all learners.