Cambridge Business Association
The Greatest Salesman in the World
Book

The Greatest Salesman in the World

Og Mandino
Bantam, 1983
First Edition: 1983
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking, described this work by Og Mandino as “one of the most inspiring, uplifting and motivating books I have ever read.” Mandino’s works have sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. This book tells the story of an ancient merchant and his 10 mystical scrolls, each bearing a spiritual precept that is applicable to sales success. getAbstract recommends Mandino’s advice to those in sales or sales management who gain support from self-help literature with a Christian point of view.

Summary

The Old Merchant’s Treasure

In ancient times, a wealthy merchant named Hafid was renowned as the world’s greatest salesman. He lived in a Damascus palace filled with opulent furnishings, and he owned warehouses packed with beautiful textiles, precious gems and rare merchandise. Knowing his end was near, Hafid prepared to change his life. He ordered his servant Erasmus to convert his vast fortune to gold and to donate it to the poor, leaving only enough for Hafid to live in reasonable comfort. Shocked, Erasmus reminded Hafid that the past year had been his most profitable ever. Hafid asked Erasmus to have faith in him and to stay with him until Hafid fulfilled a promise he had made to his own master when he was young.

After Erasmus did as commanded, Hafid brought him to a room that had always been locked. It contained only a plain cedar chest. Hafid opened it and removed 10 ancient leather scrolls. He told Erasmus they held the fundamental principles of incredible sales success – the principles Hafid himself had followed. He was young when his master gave him the scrolls, but he remembered that his master said to reveal their knowledge only to Hafid’s own successor, ...

About the Author

The inspirational author Og Mandino, a former World War II US Army fighter pilot and insurance salesman, overcame alcoholism, wrote 19 books and headed Success Magazine.

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    A. C. 7 years ago
    I loved this story ever since my father gave it to me and encouraged me to read it. An instant favorite.
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    e. f. 8 years ago
    An instant classic