Chubby the cabby - has what it takes to be successful in business.

Have you ever gotten into a taxi that was dirty, so much so you were afraid to touch anything?

Have you ever gotten into a taxi and had to deal with the driver's attitude?

Have you ever gotten into a taxi and the driver didn't speak English which made getting to your destination nerve-racking?

Look, we've all had these experiences.

Here's a taxi experience that will make your day and also serve up a lesson on how to be successful in business.

Craig Soling, one of my newsletter subscribers, sent this to me and I want to share it with you.

Craig says, "I recently attended a national conference in Chicago Illinois. I live in a northern suburb of Chicago and decided to commute each day. I have a friend who lives about 1 mile from the convention center, so I decided to park my car at his place and walk to the convention hall.

On the second day, I was exhausted from being on my feet and a full day of meetings. So I decided to take a cab back to my car. It was a great decision!

As soon as I got into the taxi I was greeted with enthusiasm. The driver said, "welcome to my cab, you just made the best choice of your day, I speak English and I truly believe in the power of positive thinking and positive attitudes."

Craig was instantly intrigued, not to mention not so tired anymore. The ride was quick, but I stayed and talked to my driver for another 15 minutes.

For every question I asked, he had a well thought out response. He wasn't a driver, he was a salesman!

As soon as I stepped into the cab, the driver began making the sale for my next ride, without directly talking about it.

And it worked. I got his name and telephone number side note on the phone number, when I asked for his business card, he told me he doesn't have them because people just throw them away. He told me to get out my cell phone and he would wait until I programmed his name and number.

In Craig's e-mail to me he said he hoped I would enjoy this story and obviously I did.

Craig recommends that if you're ever in Chicago, give Chubby the Cabby a call for your transportation - you'll enjoy the ride! Chubby 773-392-1114.

Thanks Craig for sharing this with me. Here are some of the lessons I learned.

1. Enthusiasm makes a difference!

2. Deal with the problems up front - "I speak English."

3. Be positive in everything you do.

4. Ask people to program your name and telephone number when you're with them.

5. Ask for the business.

6. Be different.

The next time I'm in Chicago I'm calling Chubby the Cabby!

He's got what it takes.