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

Happy Sunday, friends! Earlier this week, a $1 million article prize was announced by X. I don't usually write the kind of content that could win such a contest—listicles filled with life lessons and advice. But then, as if on cue, my five-year-old son, Dev, learned how to sell, and in doing so, dropped wisdom bombs that were perfect for this kind of writing. We ended up with sixteen lessons, and now they're on X. I encourage you to like, comment, and share to help us reach that $1 million goal. Dev has a world to build, and I hope he becomes a more frequent contributor.

I've decided to write more short, engaging pieces and share them in the paid, not-boring world. If you're interested in the full spectrum of not-boring content, subscribe now. Let's get to it.

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

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 even 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 respond.

We read a little bit of Richard Feynman's lectures together, and Dev's curiosity knew no bounds. He wanted to understand how everything worked, from the tiniest particles to the largest celestial bodies. His passion for learning was infectious, and I found myself diving deeper into subjects alongside him.

But let's return to the sale. Dev had been selling Donut Hats for a few weeks now. He'd crafted them with care, decorating them with colorful markers and stickers. His customers were his friends, neighbors, and even some passersby. The Donut Hats were a hit, and Dev's sales were thriving.

As I watched him haggle with a customer, I couldn't help but notice his natural talent for negotiation. He'd lower the price if the customer seemed hesitant, but he'd also explain the value of his product. "It's made with love, and it'll make you smile all day!" he'd say, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

I sat down with Dev after his sale and asked him to share his wisdom. He listed sixteen lessons, each one a gem of insight into both selling and life.

1. **Know Your Product:** Dev's Donut Hats were his passion. He knew every detail about them, from the materials to the design. This knowledge gave him confidence and allowed him to sell with conviction.

2. **Be Honest:** Dev never lied about his prices or his product. He was upfront about the value of his Donut Hats and the effort he put into making them.

3. **Add Value:** Dev didn't just sell hats; he sold happiness. He made sure his customers felt special and understood the joy his product would bring.

4. **Be Patient:** Selling takes time. Dev knew that not every customer would buy, but he didn't give up. He understood that persistence was key to success.

5. **Adapt:** Dev adjusted his prices and his approach based on the customer. He knew when to be firm and when to be flexible.

6. **Build Relationships:** Dev's sales weren't just transactions. He built connections with his customers, making them feel valued and appreciated.

7. **Stay Positive:** Dev's enthusiasm was contagious. His positive attitude drew people in and made them want to do business with him.

8. **Learn from Rejections:** Dev didn't take no for an answer. He saw rejections as opportunities to improve and refine his approach.

9. **Be Creative:** Dev's Donut Hats were unique. He didn't just copy others; he put his own twist on the product.

10. **Focus on the Customer:** Dev's main goal was to make his customers happy. He put their needs first and ensured they walked away satisfied.

11. **Be Consistent:** Dev's sales strategy was well thought out. He knew what worked and stuck to it, making his approach reliable and trustworthy.

12. **Embrace Failure:** Dev understood that failure was a part of the process. He didn't let setbacks discourage him and kept pushing forward.

13. **Stay Curious:** Dev's love for learning was evident in his approach to selling. He was always eager to learn and improve.

14. **Be Resilient:** Dev faced challenges, but he never gave up. He knew that success required determination and the ability to bounce back from obstacles.

15. **Share the Joy:** Dev's passion for his product was infectious. He shared his enthusiasm with others, making them want to join in on the fun.

16. **Build a World:** Dev's ultimate goal was to build worlds. His sales of Donut Hats were just the beginning. He knew that with hard work and dedication, he could achieve anything.

As I listened to Dev's lessons, I realized that they applied to more than just selling. They were timeless advice for living a fulfilling life. His innocence and wisdom reminded me of the importance of staying curious, patient, and positive.

Dev's story is a reminder that success starts with passion, hard work, and a willingness to learn. His lessons on selling and life are a treasure trove of practical advice that anyone can benefit from.

Now, go like, comment, and share Dev's article on X. We need that $1 million to help Dev build his world. And who knows? Maybe one day, he'll build a world for all of us.