E. Allan Collins

Background

About E. Allan Collins

I guess you could say I was born to sell. When I was 8 I used to hit yard sales with my parents on the weekends during the summers in Toronto and negotiated the prices of toys so I could maximize my allowance. The excitement from maximizing my dollar led me to start my own business which led me to negotiate for more toys! Preparing for my upcoming toy sale, I would create ads by drawing on blank paper and post them around the neighborhood.(Cheap marketing!) I used the time between advertising and the sale to ride my bike around the neighborhood buying everyone’s yard sale toys for low prices. But I didn’t just buy anyone’s toys! I searched for toys that would be marketable and provide big margins! I cleaned them up and then priced them to sell, well above what I paid. On the day of the sale, I would set up a large table in the front yard and lay out my merchandise and get to selling. I did this a few times each year to clear unsold inventory and offload toys I no longer played with. But through the process, I met great people and built lasting relationships. As I said, I guess I was born to sell. This experience prepared me for a global adventure is sales. I’ve sold everything from cars to homes to LED lighting solutions. At first, it was the thrill of finding the right thing to sell. Then it was the thrill of making the sale. Now it’s the thrill of building those trusting relationships that turn into repeat, satisfied clients. I’ve never stopped negotiating but my reason to negotiate has changed; deepening professional relationships that provide a mutual benefit is now my driver. Let’s connect! I’d love to learn how you started your career.