This was way back in 2011 and it was my first time staying and travelling in Mumbai. I was assigned a project for 6 months and got a great opportunity to be part of fast paced life .

It was the end of the first month and the project was gearing up. I had an extended evening and could leave the campus only by 7pm. It was a Friday evening and I had to go from Worli to Thane. The fastest and best option was to take the local train. I reached the station by 7:20 and to my shock the crowd on the platform was 6 times that of what could fit in the train compartment. It was impossible to board the train. I waited for the next train at 7:45 but it was the same. The crowd was huge and I could not board again. But for the next train at 8:10pm, I decided to board it, come what may.

The train arrived and I had 30 seconds before the train started. I somehow squeezed myself and ended up inside the 8:10pm train, before we reached the next stop I was asked to show my Special Pass by the Inspecting officer, as that compartment was for Special people. I realised that I had boarded the wrong compartment.

I had to get down in the next stop and had to give an explanation for the wrong boarding. There were 6 other people along with me. All had their own reasons on why they would not pay the fine and they were asking for discounts on the charges. But I was very clear that I would pay the full fine as it was my fault for not paying attention. It happened because it was my first train travel experience in Mumbai and I did not pay attention in the heavy crowd. To my surprise and without a word; the officer did not fine me and asked me to go. I felt the power of speaking the Truth and being genuine.

I am thankful that I learnt this skill and applied it throughout my sales Journey. Whatever the situation, being truthful to the customer in solving their Problems made me grow. As I recall this incident, I realise how the small action of being truthful can take you to far. In my career in a sales consulting Role,  being truthful to all my customer in solving their problems, has always given me huge business and also trusted engaged  customers.