The Founding of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
In 09-Sep-1890, Harland David Sanders was born just outside of Henryville, Indiana in the U.S.A. His father passed away when he was 6, and from young he had to look after his mother, younger brother and sister. Dropping out of school, he worked at various odd jobs such as a farm assistant, fireman, soldier and boat operator.
In 1955, at the age of 65, he was living on a monthly check of only $105. After paying off his debts, he was virtually broke. Not wanting to accept his fate, he decided to franchise his method of cooking chicken using a secret recipe he developed, and decided to go on the road to sell his recipe to restaurants.
For 2 years, Harland Sanders traveled America, visiting over 1000 restaurants, door to door. He would cook his chicken for the restaurant owners on the spot, and if they liked it, they would enter into an agreement with him. However, everywhere he went, he faced rejections, doors being slammed in his face, even insults and criticism. Nobody gave him a chance.
Undaunted, he persisted, and finally, at the 1009th restaurant, he met a man who was willing to adopt his idea.
By 1964, 10 years from the day he started, there were 600 restaurants selling his trademark chicken. And today, around the world, there are more than 11,000 KFC outlets in 80 countries. All because a 65 year old man never gave up on his dream.
Moral:
It’s a number game. If a 65 year old man can face more than a thousand rejections and setbacks before succeeding, then what about us?
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CONVERSATION