I3.001:Attracting Sales Representatives and Expanding the Model
Opening Introduction (Manifesto and Purpose)
Welcome to the Heart of Our Team!
At Matrix Kids Cards, we’re not just looking for sales representatives; we’re looking for a special kind of teammate—someone who brings heart, vision, and a spark of creativity to everything they do. To guide us in this search, we’ve put together six character portraits that embody the qualities that make our team thrive. Think of them as our guiding stars!
Each character has something unique to offer: Aibileen brings love and encouragement, Dan brings vision and resilience, Camille (our mission-driven community worker) is dedicated to serving others, Chris is resourceful and relentless, Rita is professional and persevering, and Ed represents integrity and generosity. Together, these characters paint a picture of the kind of team we’re building—a team with empathy, grit, and a whole lot of heart!
As you go through this guide, you’ll see how each character’s qualities form the bedrock of what we’re looking for. So if you see a bit of yourself in these characters, we’re thrilled to have you here. Let’s discover how we can make a difference together, one card at a time.
Meet Our Inspiration: The Six Characters Who Define Our Team
Our approach to building the Matrix Kids Cards team is inspired by six unforgettable characters from movies and TV who embody the qualities we hold dear. Each one brings something unique to the table, whether it’s courage, compassion, creativity, or integrity. Here’s a quick look at where these characters come from and why their stories resonate with us:
- Aibileen Clark from The Help:
Aibileen, a compassionate and loving maid in 1960s Mississippi, teaches young Mae Mobley, a child she cares for, that she is “smart, kind, and important.” Her quiet strength and unwavering dedication make her a powerful advocate for children’s self-worth. Aibileen reminds us of the importance of encouragement and unconditional love in nurturing young minds. - Dan Mulligan from Begin Again:
Dan is a once-successful music producer who, after a series of setbacks, rediscovers his passion and talent. In this story of resilience, he partners with a young singer to create an album from scratch, recording in real locations across New York City. Dan’s eye for potential and his creative approach to building something meaningful from limited resources are qualities we value in our leaders. - Camille Cottin’s Character from Cigarettes et chocolat chaud:
Camille Cottin plays a dedicated community worker who supports families through parenting courses and personal connections. Her character views her role as a mission, going above and beyond to support and connect with two young girls and their father. Camille’s story reminds us of the power of community and the impact of genuine dedication to others. - Chris from Undercover Billionaire:
In this reality show, Chris is a young man with no prior experience who teaches himself to build a barbecue pit from scratch using materials he finds in a junkyard. His ingenuity, work ethic, and ability to create something valuable through sheer determination resonate with our value of resourcefulness. - Rita Harrison Williams from I Am Sam:
Rita is a lawyer who takes on the case of Sam, a father with intellectual disabilities fighting to keep custody of his daughter. Despite facing her own challenges, Rita displays courage, resilience, and a commitment to justice. Her professionalism and dedication make her a role model for perseverance in the face of adversity. - Ed Masry from Erin Brockovich:
Ed, a seasoned lawyer with a strong moral compass, takes on a high-stakes environmental case to fight for justice, even at personal financial risk. Ed’s character stands for integrity and a commitment to doing what’s right, no matter the cost. His story is a reminder of the importance of ethics and compassion in our work.
Story: The Journey of Emily, the Kindergarten Teacher Turned Sales Leader
Part 1: The Initial Excitement and the First Steps
It was a crisp fall morning in Tippecanone when Emily first heard about the opportunity that would change her life. Sitting in the small, cozy teachers’ lounge of her kindergarten, she skimmed through her emails during a rare quiet moment. One email caught her eye: an invitation to a local meeting about an educational initiative called the Hunter Card Thought Experiment. The words “creativity” and “community” stood out to her. Always eager to bring more innovation into her classroom, she decided to attend.
The meeting was small but buzzing with energy. The speaker—a warm, enthusiastic man named Jacob—explained the concept: a card game created by children, for children, designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and education. As he spoke, Emily’s mind raced with possibilities. She could picture her own students participating in the project, drawing their ideas, creating something meaningful. It was a small idea with the potential for big change.
At the end of the meeting, Jacob approached Emily. “We’re looking for someone to help take this project beyond Tippecanone,” he said. “Someone who understands education and community. Would you be interested?”
Emily hesitated. Sales? That wasn’t her world. But something about the project stirred her. She wanted to be part of it—not just for her students but for other children who could benefit.
“Let’s do it,” she said, her voice filled with newfound determination.
Part 2: Learning the Sales Process
The first few weeks were a whirlwind of learning. Emily realized quickly that being a sales representative wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about building relationships. She spent evenings reading up on the project, internalizing its value, and creating her own personal pitch. She rehearsed in front of her mirror, imagining how she would explain the benefits of the project to school principals, business owners, and community leaders.
Her first task was to email the five key entities in her county. Jacob had taught her how important it was to start with a strong introduction—one that explained why this project mattered, and why it mattered to them. Emily drafted her first emails, carefully tailoring each one.
Email 1: To the Local Elementary School Principal
Dear Principal Rodriguez,
As a fellow educator, I know firsthand how important it is to give children the tools to express themselves creatively. I’m reaching out to share an exciting new initiative that has already transformed classrooms in Tippecanone—The Hunter Card Thought Experiment. It’s more than a card game; it’s a way for students to build storytelling, artistic, and critical thinking skills. I’d love to set up a time to discuss how we could bring this project to your school.
Each email had a personal touch, tailored to the specific entity, and every message conveyed her belief in the project’s mission. Emily knew the emails were just the beginning. If she didn’t hear back, she would make follow-up calls to ensure her message was received.
Part 3: The First Meeting and Facing Doubts
A few days later, she got her first reply—from Principal Rodriguez himself. He was intrigued by the project and agreed to meet.
Emily arrived at the school early, her nerves bubbling under her calm demeanor. As they sat down, she began her pitch, talking about the creative impact she had seen in her own classroom. But halfway through, she sensed a hesitation from Principal Rodriguez.
“We love the idea, Emily,” he said. “But I’m concerned about the time commitment. Our teachers are already stretched thin, and I’m not sure they can handle another project.”
Emily had prepared for this. She smiled and replied, “I completely understand. The great thing about the Hunter Card project is that it’s incredibly flexible. Teachers can integrate it into existing art or storytelling lessons, and we provide all the materials. It won’t add extra work—in fact, it might even make their lives easier.”
Principal Rodriguez nodded, seeming reassured. By the end of the meeting, they had a tentative agreement to pilot the project with one of the third-grade classes.
Part 4: Overcoming Objections
With her first meeting under her belt, Emily moved on to her next target: a local business that prided itself on supporting educational initiatives. She called the owner, Mr. Bennett, who owned a family-run bookshop downtown.
Mr. Bennett was polite but direct. “I like the sound of the project, but how does this benefit my business?”
Emily took a deep breath. “It’s about building community connections,” she said. “We’re not just selling a card game—we’re creating a movement that brings together schools, families, and businesses. By supporting this project, your business becomes part of a larger initiative to empower local children, which resonates deeply with your customer base. Plus, the card sets could be sold at your store, and a portion of the sales could go back into funding the project.”
Mr. Bennett leaned back in his chair, thinking it over. “Alright,” he said finally. “Let’s talk about next steps.”
Part 5: Replication and the System in Place
As Emily expanded the project across Tippecanone, she learned that consistency was key. Every county was different, but the core message stayed the same. She developed a system to make sure she never missed a step.
- Emails Sent: 5 per county
- Phone Calls Made: 5 follow-ups per week
- Meetings Scheduled: 2-3 per county
- Pitch Customized: 1 tailored pitch per entity (schools, businesses, etc.)
- Objections Overcome: 1-2 per meeting, with a focus on time, budget, and community impact
Each county became easier to manage as Emily fine-tuned her process. She kept meticulous notes on each interaction and shared her insights with new sales representatives as they joined the project. Over time, she became the go-to mentor, teaching others how to scale the model while maintaining the project’s integrity.
Instructing Emily: Detailed Steps and Instructions
Now that we’ve fleshed out Emily’s journey, here’s a more detailed guide for her, focusing on specific actions she should take:
| Step | Task | Action |
| Step 1: Initial Email Outreach | Send 5 emails to key entities | Use tailored email templates; follow up in 3 days |
| Step 2: Follow-Up Calls | Make 5 calls (1 to each entity) | Confirm meetings with schools, businesses, etc. |
| Step 3: Customize the Pitch | Tailor the pitch to each entity | Use personalized stories and focus on local community benefits |
| Step 4: Handle Objections | Prepare responses to 2-3 common objections | Overcome time and budget concerns using the provided script |
| Step 5: Replicate the Model | Document each interaction | Keep a detailed log of each county’s progress and share feedback |
County Name: Carroll County
Details of the county’s 3 core child-related qualities:
- Carroll County Kid’s Fair – A local festival promoting educational activities and family fun.
- SOE Keywords: Kids’ fair, education festival, child-friendly event Carroll County
- Agricultural Heritage Program for Children – Hands-on learning about farming and nature.
- SOE Keywords: Agricultural education, farming for kids, nature program
- Carroll County Historical Library – Storytelling sessions about local history for children.
- SOE Keywords: Historical library, children’s storytelling, Carroll County history
| Six Early Childhood Education-Related Entities in Carroll County | Entity Name | Contact Information | Notes for Rep |
| M: Kindergartens | Happy Hearts Kindergarten | Contact: Mrs. Linda Turner (Principal) Phone: (555) 789-1234 Email: lturner@happyhearts.edu | Call and introduce Hunter Card project, discuss potential classroom integration. |
| Little Scholars Academy | Contact: Ms. Sandra Blake (Director) Phone: (555) 321-5432 Email: sblake@lsa.edu | Schedule a meeting to discuss creative curriculum integration using cards. | |
| Bright Start Preschool | Contact: Mr. Evan White (Coordinator) Phone: (555) 432-7654 Email: ewhite@brightstart.edu | Call to introduce the card game, offer to conduct a demo class. | |
| Future Minds Academy | Contact: Ms. Janet Rowe (Director) Phone: (555) 654-1234 Email: jrowe@fmacademy.edu | Send an email about launching Hunter Cards as a summer activity. | |
| Little Wonders Kindergarten | Contact: Ms. Olivia King (Teacher) Phone: (555) 890-5678 Email: oking@lwkindergarten.edu | Follow up on initial inquiry and offer additional materials. | |
| Tiny Tots Preschool | Contact: Ms. Grace Holmes (Coordinator) Phone: (555) 987-1234 Email: gholmes@tinytots.edu | Explore partnership opportunities for after-school programs. | |
| A: Libraries | Carroll County Public Library | Contact: Tom Adams (Youth Librarian) Phone: (555) 987-6543 Email: tadams@carroll.lib | Follow up on upcoming Kids Storytime. Host a creative workshop. |
| Children’s Literacy Hub | Contact: Mrs. Claire Edwards (Manager) Phone: (555) 765-4321 Email: cedwards@childlit.org | Discuss integrating Hunter Cards into their literacy programs. | |
| Storytime Library | Contact: Ms. Hanna Peters (Children’s Program Coordinator) Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: hpeters@storytime.edu | Propose hosting Hunter Cards workshops during summer events. | |
| The Book Nook Library | Contact: Mr. Jason Lee (Manager) Phone: (555) 678-9012 Email: jlee@booknook.org | Explore creating Hunter Cards displays in the library. | |
| Family Fun Library | Contact: Ms. Rachel Hall (Director) Phone: (555) 345-6789 Email: rhall@familyfun.org | Call to introduce creative collaboration ideas for the card game. | |
| Youth Literacy Project | Contact: Dr. Melissa Carter (Program Director) Phone: (555) 654-9876 Email: mcarter@youthlit.org | Schedule a meeting to showcase how Hunter Cards can aid storytelling. | |
| T: Toy Shops/Kids’ Bookstores | Playtime Wonderland Toy Store | Contact: Rachel Myers (Manager) Phone: (555) 654-3210 Email: rmyers@playtimewonderland.com | Propose selling Hunter Cards at the store and discuss possible co-hosted launch event. |
| Carroll’s Toy Box | Contact: Ms. Alicia Stone (Owner) Phone: (555) 432-1234 Email: astone@carrollstoys.com | Call to propose a promotional display of Hunter Cards. | |
| Fun Times Kids Store | Contact: Mr. Michael Quinn (Owner) Phone: (555) 876-5432 Email: mquinn@funtimeskids.com | Explore partnership to sell Hunter Cards, focus on family events. | |
| Little Dreamers Toy Store | Contact: Mrs. Nina Walker (Owner) Phone: (555) 321-6543 Email: nwalker@littledreamers.com | Offer a free workshop for customers to introduce Hunter Cards. | |
| The Kids Corner | Contact: Mr. Sam Stevens (Manager) Phone: (555) 789-4321 Email: sstevens@kidscorner.edu | Propose selling Hunter Cards alongside other educational games. | |
| Child’s Play Toy Shop | Contact: Ms. Wendy Hughes (Owner) Phone: (555) 432-9876 Email: whughes@childsplay.com | Schedule a meeting to discuss sales potential for Hunter Cards. |
Follow-Up Section:
| Entity | Follow-Up Date | Action Taken | Outcome |
| Happy Hearts Kindergarten | October 22, 2024 | Introductory email sent | Awaiting reply |
| Carroll County Public Library | October 23, 2024 | Call scheduled | Meeting confirmed for October 29, 2024 |
| Playtime Wonderland Toy Store | October 24, 2024 | Introductory call made | Interested in collaboration, follow-up on October 31, 2024 |
| Little Scholars Academy | October 24, 2024 | Email sent | Waiting for response |
| Future Minds Academy | October 25, 2024 | Introductory call made | Meeting scheduled for November 3, 2024 |
Success Stories Section:
| Entity | Success Story | Impact |
| Carroll County Public Library | Hosted a creative workshop with Hunter Cards during Kids Storytime | Engaged 25 children in storytelling through creative card-making. |
Digital Access:
- QR Code or Link: Include a digital version of this sheet for easy updates and real-time collaboration among sales representatives. This can also be shared with key stakeholders.
Sales Representative Guide to Using ChatGPT for County Searches
Goal: Use ChatGPT to replicate the Hunter Card project template for other counties across the United States by gathering detailed county information and creating customized action plans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Initiating a County Search with ChatGPT
- Objective: Identify key entities (kindergartens, libraries, toy shops, etc.) in your assigned county using ChatGPT.
- What to Do:
- Start by clearly stating the county name and the state you are targeting.
- Include any special requests related to the county (e.g., specific cultural features or events).
Command Example:
“Hi ChatGPT, I’m working on expanding the Hunter Card project to Monroe County, Indiana. Can you help me gather information on six early childhood education-related entities (kindergartens, libraries, toy shops, etc.) in this county? I’m looking for key contact details, and any child-related festivals or educational programs would be a bonus.”
2. Gathering Core Child-Related Qualities for the County
- Objective: Get information about the county’s cultural, educational, or historical attributes related to children.
- What to Do:
- Ask for local events, cultural programs, or unique child-focused initiatives in the county.
- Request specific SOE keywords to improve searchability.
Command Example:
“Can you provide me with details about three core child-related qualities in Monroe County, Indiana, such as local festivals, cultural programs, or anything related to children’s education? Also, include suggested SOE keywords for these qualities.”
3. Customizing the Template for the County
- Objective: Use ChatGPT to fill in the standard template for your county, customized with local entities and contact details.
- What to Do:
- Request that ChatGPT format the results into the provided template structure.
- Ask for multiple entity options to maximize success rate (at least six entities per category).
Command Example:
“Please organize the following information for Monroe County into the Hunter Card project template. Provide me with six options for each of the six early childhood education-related categories (Kindergarten, Libraries, Toy Shops, etc.). Make sure to include contact information for each entity.”
4. Following Up on Leads and Success Stories
- Objective: After securing meetings or partnerships, request ChatGPT’s help in tracking follow-ups and success stories.
- What to Do:
- Use ChatGPT to keep track of your meetings and progress by asking for help organizing your next steps.
- Share mini-successes to encourage other sales reps or to report back to your manager.
Command Example:
“ChatGPT, I’ve made progress with Monroe County. I’ve had meetings with two kindergartens and one library. Can you help me log these follow-ups and suggest next steps for engagement? Also, can you help me track any initial successes from these meetings?”
Template Structure for ChatGPT Searches
Here’s the template you will use when working with ChatGPT. Always format your requests around this structure for clarity and efficiency:
County Name: [Insert County Name]
Details of the county’s 3 core child-related qualities:
- [Insert local child-related event or program]
- SOE Keywords: [Insert keywords]
- [Insert local child-related event or program]
- SOE Keywords: [Insert keywords]
- [Insert local child-related event or program]
- SOE Keywords: [Insert keywords]
| Six Early Childhood Education-Related Entities in [Insert County] | Entity Name | Contact Information | Notes for Rep |
| M: Kindergartens | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
| [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] | |
| [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] | |
| A: Libraries | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
| T: Toy Shops/Kids’ Bookstores | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
| R: Community Centers | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
| I: Local Educators | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
| X: Businesses Supporting Children | [Insert Entity Name] | [Contact Info] | [Notes on engagement] |
Digital Access and Next Steps
- Save your work: Keep track of your conversations with ChatGPT by saving the responses into your county report.
- Check back with ChatGPT: If you hit roadblocks (e.g., no contact response), return to ChatGPT for advice or alternative suggestions.
- Engagement Strategies: ChatGPT can also help you plan specific strategies for improving engagement with certain entities or overcoming challenges.
Character-Based Recruitment Criteria
Meet Our Dream Team Qualities—Loud and Clear!
In the spirit of transparency (and a little fun), we’re laying out exactly who we’re looking for in our sales representatives. Think of this section as a personality peek into the qualities we hold dear. We’re not just searching for skills—we’re looking for people who are our characters:
- Aibileen (The Encourager): Are you the type of person who believes in the power of encouragement? If you’ve ever found yourself championing the underdog or reminding others they’re valued, you’re embodying Aibileen’s spirit. Questions for Aibileen-types might include: “Tell us about a time when you made someone feel special.”
- Dan (The Visionary): You’ve got big dreams and the grit to make them happen. Dan-types love spotting hidden potential and creating something out of nothing. We’ll ask you about your creative process, like: “Have you ever taken on a project with little to no resources and made it thrive?”
- Camille (The Mission-Driven): Community is your heartbeat. You see your work as more than just a job—it’s a calling. We want to know: “How have you used your role to uplift others in your community?”
- Chris (The Resourceful Creator): Scrap materials, limited time, big goals? You’re in your element! Chris-types are relentless creators, always finding a way. We might ask you: “What’s the most inventive project you’ve tackled without traditional resources?”
- Rita (The Resilient Professional): Your commitment and professionalism are unwavering, no matter the challenges. Rita-types face adversity head-on. You might hear us ask: “When was a time you had to persevere despite setbacks?”
- Ed (The Integrity Keeper): Integrity, ethics, and generosity aren’t just words—they’re values you live by. Ed-types make principled choices even when it’s tough. Questions could include: “Have you ever faced a situation where you had to make a difficult decision to do what was right?”
Each of these qualities comes with its own set of interview questions and “character tests” to see how closely candidates align with our vision. By sharing these qualities openly, we’re making sure everyone understands and celebrates the values that drive us.
Consistent Evaluation Template (For Replicability and Adaptation)
Guiding Stars for Growing Our Team—Near and Far!
Now that we’ve introduced the dream team qualities, let’s talk about how these characters help us build local teams across communities. Our goal is to make this process as simple, flexible, and replicable as possible so that every new region—whether in Tippecanoe or beyond—shares the same heart and drive.
With our six characters as a blueprint, regional leaders can follow this guide to find local team members who reflect these qualities. Here’s the trick: each local team should have a mix of Aibileen’s warmth, Dan’s vision, Camille’s community spirit, Chris’s resourcefulness, Rita’s professionalism, and Ed’s integrity. These character-driven qualities will ensure every team has a balance of compassion, creativity, and integrity, no matter where they’re based.
For those forming new teams, look to these characters as your “core team DNA.” By aligning each role with a character’s values, you’re not just hiring people; you’re building a unified team that understands the mission, cares for the community, and is ready to make an impact.