
The book opens with a vivid portrait of the modern marketplace, where the most coveted talent is a salesperson who can “swim” – someone who goes out, finds opportunities, and delivers results without waiting for orders. Through anecdotes about churches, legal battles, and the relentless hunt for go‑getters, it shows why initiative, grit and a willingness to act have become essential in every line of business. The author sets the stage by questioning the old belief that sales success is purely a matter of innate charm.
From there, the narrative shifts to a practical argument: effective selling is a skill that can be taught. Drawing on examples from engineering, farming and medicine, the author illustrates how scientific methods and disciplined training turn raw ability into consistent performance. Readers are introduced to the idea that mastering the “science of salesmanship” is within reach for anyone willing to learn, promising tools and insights that turn occasional wins into reliable results.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (282K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2019-03-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1848–1924
A pioneer of early self-help writing, this American author urged readers to build character, confidence, and success through disciplined effort. His books and magazine work helped spread an upbeat, practical philosophy that influenced generations of motivational literature.
View all booksb. 1873
An early 20th-century writer remembered today mostly through practical, motivational nonfiction. His surviving catalog suggests an interest in salesmanship and self-improvement for everyday readers.
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