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Several months ago, I got an e-mail from Michael Andrew Wilson. He read my “Little Red Book of Selling” and “Little Black Book of Connections,” loved them and wrote to tell me about it. Very nice compliment, with one notable addition. Michael lives in Paris, France. He moved from Newport, R.I., to Paris in 1989.

He ended the e-mail by saying, “If you’re ever in Paris, look me up.” When I checked out his Web site, all I could say was WOW! He is one of the world’s leading authorities on antique furniture. He worked for Ralph Lauren, designing and furnishing his retail stores, and has purchased millions of dollars worth of antiques and furniture in Paris and all over Europe.

Last week, as chance would have it, we (my partner, Jessica, and our daughter, Gabrielle) were in Paris. Between seminars in London and Vincenza, Italy, we had a few days to spend in the City of Light to celebrate Gabrielle’s first birthday.

I e-mailed Michael. He invited me to his home. In his office, we had a glass of (incredible) French wine, and he told me his history. After he left Ralph Lauren, he became a private shopper for Americans and others seeking to furnish their homes with art, antiques and 20th-century-design furniture from France and all over Europe.

It would be inappropriate for me to reveal his customers’ names, but suffice it to say they are celebrities from the movies, sports, music and business.

I told Michael of our love of antiques. He said, “Let’s go shopping tomorrow. I’ll take you places most Americans will never see.” Cool.

As we started our day, I saw way more than incredible artifacts. I saw Michael Andrew Wilson in his element. In sales, you know that product knowledge plays a major role in communicating value. Michael was off the chart – he knew everything about every item we saw, and he also knew every seller.

He greeted every one of the vendors like an old friend, with a firm handshake, a huge smile and an exchange of words. Michael doesn’t just know the product; he also knows the culture, the customs and the business process.

I asked him about negotiating prices. He smiled and said: “In Paris, you have to be very careful when you shop for antique ephemera and furniture. Many dealers have several prices for the same item. They size you up and get as much as they think you’re willing to pay. They all know me, and I know them and the value of their things. I pay less than anyone else.”

I’ll give you Michael’s business qualities and strategies, and maybe you can compare them to yours:

• Rapport is his leading conversation. He has friendly engagement with everyone.

• He knows the territory. Every dealer, and all their offerings.

• He has wisdom, not just knowledge. Not just what it is, but its history, its creator and its importance.

• He is respected by customer and vendor alike. Very rare in any business or industry.

• He is a fascinating storyteller. He held my complete attention for two straight days.

• He has ethics that would make his mother proud. He has standards that he lives, not just follows.

• He knows his product, his customer and his sources better than anyone else in his business.

• He has the characteristics of a long-term winner. Friendly. Humble. Wise. Relaxed. Self-assured. Approachable.

• He loves his work. He’s passionate about it.

• He loves to serve. Beyond manners, he’s genuinely a servant.

• He attracts customers through word of mouth. For 20 years, every one of his customers have called him first.

OK, I love the guy. Not just as a new friend, but as an authority and a businessman.

Jeffrey Gitomer can be reached by phone at (704) 333-1112 or by e-mail at salesman@gitomer.com. © 2010 Jeffrey H. Gitomer