RAIN is the first business parable written by bestselling business book author Jeffrey J. Fox. The parable follows a young New England paperboy, named Rain, as he learns the business of being in business and quickly becomes the best paperboy in town. Through a series of humorous poignant vignettes, Jeff illustrates forty "rainmaker" business lessons that can be applied to not only paperboys, but anyone in business and sales. Rain's time as a paperboy proves to be just as valuable as getting an MBA. As with Jossey-Bass' popular Lencioni business fables, the format for Rain includes an actionable business model at the end of the book with instant takeaways and practical advice. What do Alexander Hamilton, Walt Disney, Sean Diddy Combs, Sam Walton, Willy Mays, and Jerry Seinfeld have in common? They all started out as paperboys. Paperboys and girls symbolize our country's relentless, indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit. They bought, sold, and delivered papers. And they did it alone, often in the dark and cold--and they were kids! In this witty and wise story, bestselling business author Jeffrey J. Fox reveals why the lessons paperboys learn so often establish them on the early road to success. The story follows a young New England paperboy named Rain, as he navigates the business of being in business and quickly becomes the best paperboy in town. Through a series of humorous and often poignant vignettes, Fox illustrates rainmaker business lessons that can be applied not only to paperboys, but to anyone in business and sales facing obstacles and challenges. While working his paper route, Rain gradually discovers the value of planning for an interview, the ten customer commandments, his ability to negotiate, why it's necessary to innovate, how to create an exit strategy, and much more. Ultimately, Rain's time as a paperboy proves to be a valuable foundation for business success. Rain includes The Rain Reader, a series of actionable business takeaways and practical advice to make anyone a rainmaker. What do Alexander Hamilton, Walt Disney, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Sam Walton, Willie Mays, and Jerry Seinfeld have in common? They all started out as paperboys. Paperboys and girls symbolize our country’s relentless, indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit. They bought, sold, and delivered papers. And they did it alone, often in the dark and cold―and they were kids! In this witty and wise story, bestselling business author Jeffrey J. Fox reveals why the lessons paperboys learn so often establish them on the early road to success. The story follows a young New England paperboy named Rain, as he navigates the business of being in business and quickly becomes the best paperboy in town. Through a series of humorous and often poignant vignettes, Fox illustrates “rainmaker” business lessons that can be applied not only to paperboys, but to anyone in business and sales facing obstacles and challenges. While working his paper route, Rain gradually discovers the value of planning for an interview, the ten customer commandments, his ability to negotiate, why it’s necessary to innovate, how to create an exit strategy, and much more. Ultimately, Rain’s time as a paperboy proves to be a valuable foundation for business success. Rain includes “The Rain Reader,” a series of actionable business takeaways and practical advice to make anyone a rainmaker. THE AUTHOR JEFFREY J. FOX is the founder and president of Fox & Company, Inc., a marketing consulting firm that specializes in marketing strategy development, innovation, enhancement, and selling skills training. In addition, Fox is a popular speaker and the acclaimed author of a series of hard-hitting international business best-sellers, How to Become CEO, How to Become a Rainmaker , and Secrets of Great Rainmakers among others. Rain What a Paperboy Learned About Business By Jeffrey J. Fox John Wiley & Sons Copyright © 2009 Jeffrey J. Fox All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-470-40853-7 Chapter One Opportunity It was Saturday morning, and Mom was making breakfast. Dad was reading the Town News section of The Gazette . Rain was reading the sports pages. "Have you noticed," Dad asked, looking up from the paper at Rain, "that for the past few days, the paper is finally being delivered when it's supposed to be? In the morning?" No one said anything. "Would anyone like to know why the paper is getting here on time, after weeks of late or no paper?" Dad asked. No one answered. "Am I talking to myself?" Dad asked. "Apparently," Mom said. "Rain?" Dad said. "What?" Rain asked, trying to read the baseball standings and look at his father at the same time. "If you're interested and if you move fast, you might be able to get a job as a paperboy," Dad said. Dad now had Rain's full interest. And Mom's. "The reason the paper is being delivered on time is because a guy who works for the paper is delivering it. That kid, D.J. or P.J. or whatever his