Some of my friends would try that for a couple days, too. Even a month. Then they would hold meetings about how selling seeds didn't work.

Well, at least that's how meetings started -- I always had to leave early to do more selling ... or collect my money.

I've heard "It doesn't work!" about everything.

For example:

"I spent $600 on an Xer-Cycle eight months ago, and I haven't lost a pound." ... although usually it's just "Xer-Cycle? It doesn't work."

Well, do pedals turn?

"I mean I haven't lost a pound."

Well, did you follow directions?

"Yes, I read directions."

Did you follow directions?

"I already told you I read them!"

That's not what I asked. I asked if you followed them -- and, if so, for how long?

Sometimes spouse will reveal that Xer-Cycle was used for 20 minutes first day, ten minutes next, and, well, "It doesn't work."

Just out of college, he began working for Ford Motor Company as a student engineer. On assembly line, he learned every aspect of how automobiles were put together.

Although he was awkward and bashful, Lee was promoted to a salesman. It was there that he met a man who took him under his wings and taught Iacocca how to be best salesman he could.

In 1956 sales were slumping at Ford. Iacocca suggested offering a new 1956 Ford for a modest down payment, followed by three years of $56 payments. The "56 for 56" idea took off like a rocket.

After 10 long years of hard work, Lee had become an "overnight success."

Soon he was promoted to work as manager for Ford's national truck marketing, then another promotion to head company's car marketing.

Not stopping there, Iacocca set out to develop his own style of car. In 1964 Ford introduced Mustang. Ford dealerships were literally mobbed with people wanting to buy car and a new yearly sales record was established.

In 1970, Lee was promoted to ultimate position, president of Ford Motor Company, second in command under Henry Ford II.

Never wanting to stop at success, he kept coming up with innovative and cost cutting ideas.

But, trouble lay ahead.

Ford was in control, like it or not, and he liked to exercise that control whatever consequences might be. Ford began to worry about this "son of an immigrant" taking over family business.

It was salami slicing time at Ford. And Henry did it one slice at a time. Finally, Lee learned through a friend that he too had gotten the

axe.

Under terms of resignation, Iaccoca was given an office until he found a job. It turned out to be in an obscure warehouse. A little cubicle with a small desk, one telephone, and cracked linoleum on floor.

For Iaccoca it was like being sent to Siberia.