Eesti
30 degrees, a cool breeze tousling your hair and sunshine. There’s no lack of delicious burgers, iced coke and a pleasant feeling. Sounds like paradise? It is, at least for most people. Who wouldn’t exchange the current cold and dark Estonian weather for a summery USA? Two bright EBS students Anette and Vincent have explored the faraway country. They weren’t vacationing but working. To be exact, they spent three months selling educational books to American families.
Vincent has been selling books in the US for the past several summers. Why he keeps on going back? He says it’s a good chance to get out of your comfort zone and a really great way to grow. In addition, it’s a possibility to earn a lot of money. During his third summer, he made around 30 000€.
Participating in the program has provided him with financial independence, confidence and persistence.
I asked Vincent what’s his key to success that motivates him to wake up every morning and work 12-hour shifts. “I learn very fast and I am hard-working. I want to be the best and it isn’t actually that hard to interact with people for 12 hours. Brainwork,” he said.
I asked Anette what she thought of the adventure as well.
You’ve sold books for one summer only. Why haven’t you done it more?
Selling books is an amazing experience. I wouldn’t change it for anything but I realised it wasn’t for me. I couldn’t do it again, both physically and emotionally. I strongly recommend everyone to participate in the program!
What are the pros and cons of the program?
Everything has its positive and negative sides. I think selling books is more positive in that aspect: daily development, getting out of your comfort zone, overcoming yourself, solving problems, making new contacts. It teaches you how to deal with different people, provides an overview of sales work and gives you the knowledge to start your own company as well.
Give us a brief overview of your workday in the States.
I woke up at 6.59 which was followed by a shower and a trip to the breakfast place. In our team, it usually took about 7 minutes to get washed and ready. During the breakfast you read a book, called the manager and drew a map for the day. The first knock on the door was at 8 o’clock the latest. I had lunch around 3pm, since it was the time no one was at home in my neighbourhood, and then I continued working so that by 22.59 I’d be home, washed up and in bed.
How did you handle these difficult workdays?
Determination and motivation are the key characteristics. In order to manage everything, you have to stick to the schedule.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned?
I learned a lot while selling books, but most importantly to never give up and value the ones close to you!
More information: https://southwestern.ee/
Editor: Kärt Mättikas
Translator: Triin Tikk
Pictures: Anette and Vincent
