16 Lessons on Selling (and Life) from My 5-Year-Old

Happy Sunday, friends! Earlier this week, X announced a $1 million article prize. I don't typically write the kind of content that could win such a contest—listicles filled with life lessons and advice. But then, wouldn't you know it, my five-year-old son, Dev, learned how to sell yesterday morning, and he dropped wisdom bombs that I scribbled down. We ended up with sixteen of them. Now, they're on X (go ahead, like, comment, and share—we need that $1 million; Dev has a world to build). I really liked how it turned out, so I wanted to share it with you all too. It's kind of a co-written essay with a 5-year-old, who I hope becomes a more frequent contributor. I think I'll start writing more short pieces and sharing them in the paid, not-boring world, so join us if you want the full spectrum of not boring, meaning.

This morning, my five-year-old son made his first two-dollar sale and dropped sixteen lessons on selling and life that are more practical than any of the slop you'll find on LinkedIn. I'll share them with you, but first, I need to tell you about Dev, about his Donut Hats, and about his world.

One day when Dev was three, he told me that he wanted to build worlds. Real ones. Big ones. Planets. Like, actual, physical planets. "Then you're going to have to study, buddy," I replied. "What do I need to learn?" he asked. Math, physics, engineering, business. No one had ever built a world before, so he'd have to study really hard. And so he did. He asked for math problems, then harder ones, then harder ones. The kid does 90 minutes of Russian Math every Sunday and loves it. Physics, he always liked. Gravity was one of his first words, and one of the first concepts he grokked. "Why did the cup drop, bud?" "Gravity," he'd answer.

We read a little bit of Richard Feynman's lectures together, and he devoured them. Dev's fascination with building worlds led him to understand the basics of economics and business. He learned about supply and demand, pricing, and even marketing. One day, he decided to start a business selling donut hats. He crafted them with cardboard, glitter, and his imagination.

Yesterday morning, Dev set up his stand in the driveway. He had two donut hats, each priced at $2. His first customer was his older sister, who bought one. Dev handed her the hat and received her $2. He then turned to me, beaming, and declared, "I made a sale!"

As Dev's business grew, so did his insights. Here are the sixteen lessons on selling (and life) from my five-year-old:

1. **Know Your Product:** Dev's donut hats were carefully crafted, and he knew exactly what he was selling. He understood their value and purpose.

2. **Set a Fair Price:** Dev priced his hats at $2, which he believed was a fair price for the time and effort he put into making them.

3. **Market Yourself:** Dev's enthusiasm and passion for his hats attracted customers. He believed in his product and shared that belief with others.

4. **Be Patient:** Dev knew that building a customer base takes time. He didn't rush his sales but focused on quality interactions.

5. **Adapt and Improve:** After his first sale, Dev added more glitter and decorations to his hats, making them more appealing to customers.

6. **Leverage Word-of-Mouth:** Dev's sister told her friends about his hats, and soon, word spread in the neighborhood.

7. **Deliver Exceptional Customer Service:** Dev made sure to greet each customer warmly and ensure they were happy with their purchase.

8. **Stay Positive:** Dev's infectious smile and positive attitude drew people to his stand.

9. **Embrace Failure:** Dev's second customer didn't buy a hat, but he didn't take it personally. He learned from the experience and continued to refine his approach.

10. **Focus on Value:** Dev understood that the true value of his hats lay in the joy they brought to his customers, not just the product itself.

11. **Build Relationships:** Dev took the time to get to know his customers, making each interaction meaningful.

12. **Stay Curious:** Dev was always open to feedback and suggestions, eager to learn and grow.

13. **Be Resilient:** Despite the challenges of selling in a competitive market (his sister's dog occasionally stole hats), Dev persevered.

14. **Celebrate Small Wins:** Dev was proud of every sale, no matter how small. He recognized the progress he made each day.

15. **Give Back:** Dev donated a portion of his earnings to charity, understanding the importance of contributing to something greater than himself.

16. **Have Fun:** Dev's passion for building worlds and selling donut hats was fueled by his love for the process. He enjoyed every step of the way.

These lessons, while simple, are profound. Dev's approach to selling—and life—is a reminder of the importance of authenticity, patience, and a growth mindset. As he continues to build his worlds, I'm confident that he'll achieve greatness. And who knows? Maybe one day, he'll win that $1 million article prize. Until then, let's keep sharing his wisdom and celebrating the beauty of a 5-year-old's perspective on life.

Subscribe now to stay updated on Dev's world-building adventures and the many lessons he continues to share. Let's make the not-boring, meaningful world a better place, one article at a time.