Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Presentation Is Everything

Presentation Is Everything

Some say presentation is everything and more That’s certainly important if selling is your game I learned that while managing a piano store. Sponsoring concerts with musicians of fame, Selling the idea that a buyer can learn how to play That’s certainly important if selling is your game. We demonstrated easy piano tunes every day Teaching buyers simple tunes anyone can learn Selling the idea that a buyer can learn how to play. And it is true, anyone can memorize a pattern, Playing an uncomplicated melody with satisfaction Teaching buyers simple tunes anyone can learn. To say anyone can play well merits a retraction For only the truly gifted can learn to play well Playing an uncomplicated melody with satisfaction. Playing a few simple ditties is certainly swell Some say presentation is everything and more For only the truly gifted can learn to play well I learned that while managing a piano store. Written August 5, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/6/2022 7:50:00 PM

I had no idea that you once upon a time managed a piano store; I do not doubt it. You are right- presentation sells!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 9:32:00 PM

Seems like if you can name it, I've done it. I taught driving while I was at Morris Harvey College for Capitol Driving School and clerked at the local "Y." I think I was doing these things when I got married the first time, because I had nausea at work and told her she was pregnant.

Marco Chies

Date: 8/6/2022 1:16:00 PM

In the specific case of this poem, much more than the piano or the presentation, what catches my attention is the circular way in which you developed the stanzas and rearranged the words, exactly one of the things I like most about your poems, Milton. Great!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 1:56:00 PM

Thanks, Marco. I have missed you the last few days. Are you in the throes of a winter storm down there?

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/6/2022 9:01:00 AM

Presentation is of great importance with regard to many things. We stage a home before putting it on the market, we set a literal stage for a performance, and we present ourselves to everyone each day. We've had another glimpse into your past. An interesting write, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 10:01:00 AM

Thanks, Jenna. Yes, a long time ago, I managed a mall music store and sold pianos for Ludwig-Aeolian in south St. Louis. It was a very interesting time in my life, shortly after my first wife and I divorced.

Michael Tor

Date: 8/6/2022 7:10:00 AM

Presentation is everything. The art of selling. I think of the great salesmen like Zig Zigler and Napoleon Hills and others. My brother was into sales, and I use to help him study I was the prospect. So many aspects to the sale. The initial greeting and getting to know your prospect, the listening skills of the seller, the handling of objections, and then the closing aspect. Many skills required. Your right Milton how you made it easy for people to realize they could play. Creating encouragement in them and confidence to buy and develop their skills. Did you sell a lot of them,

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 8:22:00 AM

I suppose I sold my fair share, Michael. I also gave lessons, so I suppose some folks in that area succeeded. It is true, however, that innate talent is the secret. I think anyone CAN learn to play, but only few learn to play really well. Also, adults do better with learning piano than children. A lot depends on how much they want to play.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/6/2022 7:27:00 AM

PS I would love to play the piano but my arthritis is a hindrance. I admire those that can play...

Michael Tor
Date: 8/6/2022 7:19:00 AM

with your developed concept of easy Piano tunes? Excellent idea in selling. I venture to guess you sold a lot of them. I wonder what the best pianos cost Milton? I read somewhere that John Lennon's Steinway sold for over two million dollars. WOW! Great Pianos sound, like a lucrative investment Milton. Enjoy your weekend and hope your cardio workouts are helping you feel better. Thanks for sharing...

Mike Gentile

Date: 8/6/2022 6:08:00 AM

So true Milt! If selling is your game! Most of us are selling ourselves in some way, every day and presentation is key! What a great introspection delivered in a beautifully poetic form! Happy Saturday!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 8:24:00 AM

Thank you, Mike. It was a fun time in my life. I enjoyed demonstrating and selling instruments. It also helped me break the nail-biting habit when I realized people were looking at my hands and fingers. Have a terrific Saturday, Mike, and do something you enjoy!

Terry Miller

Date: 8/6/2022 1:04:00 AM

On that basis, I was sold a classical guitar some years ago; good poem Milton. I enjoyed it.

Terry Miller
Date: 8/6/2022 8:37:00 AM

No Milton I could not keep up the fingernail requirements for the classical and fix up a house, I dabble in blues on the same guitar.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 8:24:00 AM

So, did you master the classical guitar???

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 8/6/2022 12:31:00 AM

EACH INDIVIDUAL REALIZES ASTHEYAND BECOME ADULTS, THAT THEY HAVE SOME GIFTED TALENT. HOWEVER SOME OF THE FILM AND SPORTS PEOPLE ABUSE THE INCREDIBLE MONEY THEY ARE EARNING and land up in rehab , even famous musicians.Sorry about the caps MIL. but this is my defaULT, everyone at some stage have had to put out up with ME. Love your poem as usual. GREAT THOUGHTS GO ON IN YOUR MIND ALWAYS. God Bless and hugs Jennifer.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 8:25:00 AM

Blessings, Jennifer. So nice to hear from you. Yes, everyone should try to discover their innate talent and develop it.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 8/5/2022 8:55:00 PM

I love piano music, so I'm glad that there are truly gifted people who can play well. Your poem is delightful, Milton. :)

Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 8/5/2022 9:58:00 PM

An admirable skill! :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/5/2022 9:29:00 PM

Thank you so much, Evelyn. This is pretty factual. I've played since I was about 3-4 years old.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 8/5/2022 8:38:00 PM

I enjoyed reading this, Milt, Liberace came into mind. I hope you are having a good weekend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/5/2022 9:29:00 PM

I am, Shirley. Liberace was quite a showman, indeed.