excited about lip balms. But it’s all about enjoying life and loving what you do, and I think people can see that.” Bui’s excitement for life is also influenced by his Vietnamese heritage. “I have a second culture, and I understand the different mindsets and norms of America versus Vietnam. I think I look at life differently because of this,” says Bui. “I came to America when I was one-and-a-half, but my parents always took us back. They made sure we went back home and understood what home really is. When we came here, we weren’t well off. Going from nothing to where I am today, I feel like a millionaire.” PPB spoke with Bui to learn more about how he adds value beyond product sales. PPB How do you improve your skills? Bui Be open to new things. Question the process of how things were done in the past and think about how to improve on them. Always ask questions—I feel like that’s taken me far in life. There’s always room to learn more. The day that you think you’ve learned everything is the day you fail in life because you’ll never be able to understand life. Just be open and absorb what’s around you. If you see something interesting, pull it in and learn everything about it. I’ve done a lot of things in life and I’ve never been afraid. I’ve learned how to scuba dive while not knowing how to swim well. Take every opportunity that’s put in front of you. PPB What advice would you share with someone who is struggling to maintain client relationships? Bui Do more than just sell and show products to your clients. Listen to what they say rather than assuming what they need. Be an extension of their marketing team. Narrow down what they are looking for and present thoughtful ideas and products to them. We live in an age where you can buy anything online, including promotional products. What are you going to do that they can’t do on their own? Don’t sell promotional products. Your main goal shouldn’t be to sell a product. Your goal should be to sell your ideas, knowledge, personality and professionalism. Kristina Valdez is associate editor of PPB. I’ve learned how to scuba dive while not knowing how to swimwell. Take every opportunity that’s put in front of you. Quinn Bui Qu i nn Bu i 78 | DECEMBER 2021 | CONNECT
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