https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qMMmKYR2Rg
One of my favorite movies, Tommy Boy is about a guy trying to save his fathers company after he passed away. Callahan auto parts needs a salesman and they are left with no option but Tommy Boy. Tommy Boy is a little too comfortable in his sales approach. I thought this clip would provide some comedic relief and be a reminder of what not to do in a sales pitch. Tommy does not realize the man he is dealing with is very serious and would rather he doesn’t touch his things.
After Richard, played David Spade, struck out trying to sell the new brake pads, Tommy gives it a go. He is not the traditional salesman at all in this clip. By the end of the movie, Tommy does get the hang of it, but at this point he is failing big time. The demonstration approach failed. This clip has taught me a few things. First, it is necessary to know who you are selling to and try to match their tone. Tommy needed to be serious if he wished to make this sale. Second, don;t get caught up in your own emotions. After the first demonstration of the good callahan brake pads, he did not realize how angry the man was. Tommy Boy then went on to continue on and break the mans things. Lastly, do not scream and light things on fire. Tommy Boy was a little out of control and this affected the sale. I don’t think he would have made the sale either way but it could have helped.
Tommy had a very nontraditional approach and as a salesperson, we must find the right style like Tommy Boy does later in the movie.
RIP Chris Farley aka Tommy Boy
Kyle Hartman 
Josh Elverson 
Ethan David
Interesting example of a nontraditional approach for a salesperson. Great movie filled with plenty of examples of selling and ways to be a salesman. Also great job of pointing out the necessity in understanding who you are going to be selling to when trying to make a sale.
I’ve never seen the movie – might have to watch it. I think that so often people can get caught up in the disaster of the moment that social cues fly right out the window. I would argue that’s the case here with ole Tommy Boy.
Tommy Boy is one of my favorite movies, that demonstrates several interesting salesperson traits. I agree that matching the tone of the customer is super important. If the salesperson is at a different tone, the customer relationship won’t be as strong and reaching the close, if there even is one, will take longer/be more difficult. Awesome post!