THE GOLDEN RULES OF TRADE

 

The morning sun's warmth was warming the old but equally valuable shop, a legacy from his father. The master looked at his apprentice sweeping in front of the door with his characteristic affectionate, meaningful smile and said, "Good morning!" He had experienced many difficulties since childhood and had learned trade from his father. In time, his father said, "You are the master craftsman now, your knowledge and skills have surpassed mine, my son," and handed over his entire business to him. He had also had great business opportunities and the chance to open better shops, because he did his job really well and was known in his sector. However, he preferred to remain as a medium-sized business with sincerity and one-on-one, warm human relationships. For the master, success was not about owning large buildings and crowded businesses, but rather about gaining people's trust and being able to touch their lives.

In his business selling electronic devices and phone accessories, which he had renewed and developed according to the times, his apprentice was cleaning the counter on one hand and watching the new customers entering on the other. He was young, energetic and enthusiastic, but unaware of the subtleties of trade. The master, with years of experience, clasped his hands in front of him, coughed lightly and, with that characteristic mischievous smile of his, drew the apprentice's attention. The apprentice immediately dropped what he was doing, turned to his master and became attentive.

"Son," said the master, his voice full of both experience and compassion. "If you see trade only as the art of making money, you are mistaken. The real gain is always to meet people's needs with a smile, thus earning a place in their hearts. Remember, those who help will surely be rewarded. This is one of life's unchanging rules." The apprentice frowned, trying to understand what his master meant. The master noticed this hesitation and continued:

"Last year, a customer came to our shop because the charging cable of his newly bought phone was broken. We were out of stock, but I gave him my spare. The man left the shop gratefully. Months later, when our business was in trouble, surprisingly that customer came with another business connection and provided us with a large wholesale order. That's what it means to see a need and help, my son. Those who do good to others and can forget about it, see its reward in an unexpected time when they are in need."

The apprentice was now understanding his master's behaviour better. Noticing the desired eagerness forming in his apprentice's eyes, the master continued. "In life, sometimes a small gesture produces much bigger results than it seems. Kindness nourishes both the soul and the business. Every help can one day open a completely different door for you. Remember, trust and sincerity always do people good."

His master, clasping his hands behind his back, continued, looking deeply out the window. "Look son, this is not just a place where electronic parts are sold. This is an area where people chat and meet their needs. Once, an old repairman used to come here, he would buy small parts from us to repair used phones. One day, the repairman got sick and became unable to continue his work. Then, one morning, I took a few young apprentices like you and we went to his shop. We did the repairs we could and helped. The man did not forget this help. When he recovered, he directed a big customer to us and our business continued to grow. So, as you will understand, kindness is contagious, it creates a chain reaction."

The apprentice began to grasp the deep meaning behind the stories his master told with these examples. His eyes lit up; he now felt that he was not just a worker in the shop, but also part of a community. The master noticed this change in his apprentice's eyes and smiled slightly. "Son," he said, "There is a profit in every trade, but there is a friendship in every kindness... We call this accumulating people," he added. "In difficult times, they are your real capital. Therefore, keep the shop door open to every customer who comes and aim not only to sell goods, but also to win hearts. Remember, when you help others, kindness will return to you at an unexpected moment."

Years passed and the apprentice grew enough to open his own shop. However, his master's teachings always remained fresh in his heart and mind. With every customer he helped, with every sincerity he showed, his master's voice echoed in his ear: "Those who help will surely be rewarded..." Remembering his master with respect and gratitude, he saw many times in his own life how true this advice was. Trade was not just about buying and selling; its real meaning was hidden in valuing people and meeting their real needs.