GAINING TRUST ON DAY ONE

     To sell it well, tell it well. --- 'Femi Awolesi

Why would anybody- individual or company- award you a contract? The answer lies in whether or not they have a vehement belief in you.

This is predicated upon the level of experience you've got, in most cases. Well, not predominantly your level of experience but in your telling it right. I have worked with organizations, and the key to getting the jobs was not in having the experience but in letting them know it. That's what the curriculum vitae is meant for- telling us how far you have come and how much you have done to get there.

Many centuries ago, a young shepherd boy from my lineage knew this singular important key. Israel had been suffering from depression and torment that emanated from the gigantic champion of the Philistines called Goliath. Well, of course, his height was six cubits and a span (know what that means?). He had on him all materials needed for any warrior to protect himself and move on to battle.

He challenged Israel to embattle him, that if they prevailed, the Philistines would be in servitude to them. This record is evident in the Bible book of first Samuel chapter number seventeen, "And the Philistine said, 'I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together".

What a challenge! Their heart shook as fear gripped them, except the youngster from my root, his name David. He approached the reigning king of Israel, encouraging him to not be dismayed over the "noise-maker".

With a deep conviction that he could fight against the villain and conquer, he expressed patriotism.

"Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine."

Saul, amazed at such words emanating from his mouth, shut him off considering his youthfulness.

"You cannot go against him to fight, you are still young whereas Goliath has been a mano'war from his youth."

David needed this contract. He had been a local contractor all his life, he needed something bigger than he had been doing, something worthwhile. He knew he had the experience but he needed to tell it with conviction. Negotiation had to ensue.

He talked about how he pursued and smote a lion and a bear that wanted to consume a lamb from the flock he had been nurturing.

"And this uncircumcised Philistine will be as one of them."

The. Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and that of the bear," he added, "will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine".

Eventually, the king could not but give him the job, which was subsequently carried out beyond the thoughts of all. As I write I am reminded of what my beautiful sister once said to me when I was giving up on myself before I was offered admission into the tertiary institution: "If you believe in yourself, others will."

You see, when you tell people about your experiences, especially in details, it will seem as if they have known you for long. One minute conversation may then be equated with ten years of acquaintance. Let them know the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them. This may be in written or spoken words. When you do this, you will gain not only gain their trust but will also get the job on day one.