The Greatest Salesman In The World By Augustine Mandino II

The book is about Hafid, a wealthy merchant, who is nearing the end of his life. He instructs Erasmus, his bookkeeper and longtime friend, to cease all their trading operations and bequeath a portion of his assets to the managers of his many stores.

Hafid had begun contemplating his life; he only had one thing left to do, after which he could die peacefully. He had to fulfill a promise he made many years ago. The promise was simple, he had been entrusted with ten scrolls by his master, and these scrolls contained secrets to great wealth and prosperity. They would make anyone who possessed them, and practiced their disciplines, the greatest salesman in the world. His duty was to pass the scrolls on to the next deserving candidate. He asked his friend Erasmus to stay with him until that day came.

Later that night Hafid was reminiscing about how his own journey to being the greatest salesman in the world had begun. He remembered the struggles he had endured, how many times he considered giving up, how Pathros kept him motivated and encouraged.   “Never feel shame for trying and failing, for he who has never failed is he who has never tried.” Pathros had told the young Hafid as he reminded him that failure will never overtake him if his determination to succeed was strong enough.

Hafid recalled his very first trip as a salesman. Pathros had sent him to Bethlehem to sell a fine robe, possibly the finest in their collection. He had been in Bethlehem for four days and had failed to sell the garment; instead he had given it away to a strange family with a new-born baby at the caves in Bethlehem. Hafid expected his master to be angry with him for his failure to sell just one robe, instead Pathros was very pleased with this selfless act and bestowed upon him a chest containing ten treasured scrolls.

These scrolls had made Pathros the greatest salesman in the world, and now they belonged to Hafid. He now had the opportunity and the resources to become the greatest salesman in the world.

The wisdom contained in the scrolls was as follows:

Scroll 1:

The first scroll contains the secrets of learning. It reminds us that life is filled with opportunity, yet it has seen just as many failures due to man’s lack of discipline. This scroll tells us what we need to do in order to effectively grasp the secrets contained in the remaining scrolls.

Scroll 2:

This piece of writing teaches about love, gratitude and the philosophy of a winning salesman. It tells us how to conduct ourselves and how to react in the face of fierce competition.

Scroll 3:

The third scroll tells us how to overcome the inevitable challenges that accompany a career in sales, or any career for that matter.  The challenges of life will persist until your dying day.  You better be prepared to handle them.

Scroll 4:

You are unique. The author shares why that’s important to your career and life. He also shows you how to benefit from your uniqueness and how to stand out from the competition.

Scroll 5:

“No amount of regret will change the past and no amount of worrying will change the future.” This quote is a perfect summary for scroll five. Don’t worry about the past or the future. All that matters is what you do today. Don’t waste time mourning misfortunes, because if you’re still breathing you can still improve your situation.

Scroll 6:

Attitude is everything in sales and in life. How do you maintain a positive attitude in the face of misfortunes? How do you keep your emotions in check? Learn all about it in the sixth scroll.

Scroll 7:

Life is full of ups and downs, don’t take yourself so seriously, just enjoy the journey and laugh at yourself from time to time. Sadness, frustration and remorse have no value in the marketplace.

Scroll 8:

Jim Rohn once said, “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.” Continuous personal development will keep you on top of your game. Always make yourself better, always invest in yourself.  Nurture your body, your mind and your soul to fulfill your dreams.

Scroll 9:

Reminds us that action is the food that nourishes your success. Fear is the biggest obstacle standing between you and your success, scroll 9 teaches you how to overcome fear and go after what you want. Tomorrow is not promised, act now.

Scroll 10:

You can’t do everything by yourself. Counsel with wise men that have been on the same path you are now traveling, learn from their mistakes and do better. Seek guidance from above. Ask God to grow your abilities so they may equal your challenges and your opportunities. Live in faith and practice gratitude.