It Was Just a Rainy Day and Some Stationery… But He Walked Out With $1,400 in Commissions
How one smart salesman turned gloomy weather and office paper into a full-time income.
The Rainy Day That Sparked a Business
It was raining in Akron, Ohio, when Johnson McCloud stepped into a doctor’s office with nothing but a . What happened next wasn’t luck — it was smart, human-centered selling.
The Product: Business Printing Supplies
Johnson was selling practical, everyday materials that nearly every business uses:
- Letterheads
- Envelopes
- Billheads
- Business cards
No high-tech gadgetry. No fancy sales funnel. Just clean designs, tactile samples, and thoughtful conversation.
His Strategy: Show, Don’t Sell
When the doctor seemed uninterested, Johnson didn’t push. Instead, he opened with:
“A day like this is a good day to write letters to delinquent patients.”
He got the doctor touching and evaluating paper samples, making the conversation natural and tactile. He used the weather, boredom, and downtime as his entry point.
Overcoming Objections the Smart Way
When price came up, Johnson:
- Quoted a reasonable $20.90 for 1,000 custom letterheads + envelopes
- Emphasized quality and savings over local printers
- Offered a written guarantee printed on the receipt
This removed the fear of regret and made the purchase feel safe and smart.
The Results: $57 in One Afternoon — and More to Come
That rainy afternoon, Johnson:
- Sold $57 worth of printing
- Earned $17.11 in commission
- Got three new referrals from the doctor
In just six months, he earned $1,400 in commissions — all from small orders, most under $45.
Lessons From Johnson McCloud’s Sales Method
| Lesson | Application |
|---|---|
| Observe before pitching | Start with the environment, not your product |
| Let prospects handle samples | Use touch to create engagement |
| Personalize each pitch | There is no one-size-fits-all script |
| Address objections early | Use price comparisons and guarantees |
| Focus on small businesses | Doctors, dentists, lawyers, and shop owners |
Why This Still Works Today
While the product might change (think: branded notepads, digital printing, or even email templates), the method still works:
- Start conversations, don’t just pitch
- Use tactile or visual samples
- Customize your approach
- Follow up with referrals
Final Word: Sales Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Johnson McCloud didn’t rely on scripts or pressure. He made sales by being observant, offering quality, and creating a human connection. His story proves that even a rainy day and some stationery can build a business — if you approach it the right way.
Want to Try This Yourself?
Interested in selling business products, marketing materials, or digital print services? We can help you build a step-by-step plan — with no inventory or storefront required. Contact us to learn more.
