| Talking to Strangers |
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Go Ahead, Make Some New Friends! When you were a toddler, your parents warned you about not talking to strangers. As an adult, it's amazing how many times I see businesspeople actually afraid to speak to strangers to this day. So, what's wrong with strangers? Have you ever made a new friend by talking to a stranger? I know I have. In fact, I make new friends daily by speaking to people I haven't been properly introduced to. (Sometimes whether they like it or not!)Well, if you find that you aren't making enough outbound calls, perhaps those old parental messages are continuing to roll around in your brain. "Don't speak to strangers. They may harm you." Instead of fearing harm, I see salespeople who are reluctant to pick up the phone, because, gasp, there may be rejection involved. Oh my gosh! Well, if rejection is the biggest problem you have, than you are in an enviable position in life! Now, if you are hanging onto your parent's beliefs, please don't tell Mom, but it's OK, I promise, in fact, ENCOURAGE you, to speak to strangers. You never know what will happen. For example, I was on a plane this morning, and the gentleman next to me and I struck up a conversation. Not only did we have many life experiences in common (both mis-placed Mid-Westerners, kids, love of the mountains, in sales, etc.), we liked each other enough to share some leads. He's going to get me in touch with their VP to learn more about our services, and I'm linking him up with a client of ours. Hence, success making a new friend! If you are like me, and will talk to a rock, you have an advantage in sales. If you are more discerning in your relationship-building, perhaps you need to pick up a few tips in starting up a conversation, whether on a plane, train, or on the phone, by reading on. Here are five tips to help you start up a conversation with a stranger: 1. Begin with a positive comment. If the weather stinks, the lines are long, or the sky is falling, don't bring it up. In person, you can start with a positive, but not personal, comment. If you can use humor, all the better. For example, you are in line at airport security. The person behind you is carrying a briefcase similar to yours. You can say: "It looks like we must work for the same company since we have the standard-issue computer case that holds a week's worth of snacks." If the stranger is friendly, she may come back with a comment such as, "Yeah, and it's a good thing, since those airline meals are so filling anyway!" Now you are off to a conversation. Let's say you are calling a stranger to prospect over the phone. Go ahead, jump in. Forget "How are you?" That's the most lame opener on the planet. Try something fun, such as, "You're there! It must be my lucky day! Thank you for being there this morning." 2. Put a smile on your face and into your words. If you are smiling, people will be more likely to speak with you, like you, and even smile back! That's all good stuff. If you are on the phone, remember to smile into your words and you'll find that your voice sounds more engaging, friendlier, and prospects are more likely to speak with you. 3. Avoid "pushing" your card or your outstretched hand at the person when you first meet. The person you have just met has also been instructed by a respected adult, not to speak to strangers, so until you have broken the ice, you are a potential threat, too! Feel out the person with some banter, see if he/she is receptive to making a new friend, and take it from there. You can always provide this new friend with a card and an introduction, later. Too soon, too fast, and you may appear like a desperate used car salesperson. Just stay cool. Have fun with your new friend. 4. Leave the interrogations to the prosecutors. Asking too many questions, right away, sounds intrusive. On the other hand, be careful not to spill YOUR life story in the first 3 minutes of your conversation, either. People DO like some privacy. This is also cultural. In some countries, it's offensive to ask questions such as where you are from, about your family, etc. In other cultures, it's unacceptable to discuss political opinions, money, or personal beliefs. It's best to start slowly and not to impose too many opinions or ask too many questions in rapid succession. 5. Offer the stranger some help. For example, if the person is struggling with putting his bag under his seat, offer to help, or hold his coffee while he struggles to get settled. Done with your newspaper? Ask if your seat mate would like to read it. Then, start up a conversation about an article that's on the front page or in the "Living" section. (Remembering to avoid politics!) So there you have a few ideas of making new friends, not fearing strangers, when on the road. Good luck and have fun with your new friends! (c)Renee Walkup, SalesPEAK, Inc,,All Rights Reserved,.www.salespeak.com 678 587-9911 |
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