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View Full Version : Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
mandm'smommy
03-11-2010, 01:56 PM
I have never been one of those people who could just go up to anyone and start talking about the business or the product...until a few days ago.
I don't know what finally got me to wake up and make a change, but I did.
In the last few days I have made at least 3 new customers and given out several samples and catalogs to some very excited potential new customers.
Now I need to go order to replenish my stock.
So to anyone whose business has just stalled, I encourage you to step out there. I think you will be surprised at how much success you can have.
Easy? We all know it's not, but worth it? Absolutely!!!
Happy selling,
Melissa
I don't know what finally got me to wake up and make a change, but I did.
In the last few days I have made at least 3 new customers and given out several samples and catalogs to some very excited potential new customers.
Now I need to go order to replenish my stock.
So to anyone whose business has just stalled, I encourage you to step out there. I think you will be surprised at how much success you can have.
Easy? We all know it's not, but worth it? Absolutely!!!
Happy selling,
Melissa
AnneP
03-11-2010, 07:00 PM
That's so great, Melissa!
Now, I want to know exactly what you did:)
Now, I want to know exactly what you did:)
mandm'smommy
03-12-2010, 07:26 AM
Well, I think I did just what I have heard others say they do everyday. I know Louanne has posted about this and is so good at this,
The buying customers came just as a result of my talking about the products and mentioning that I had some in stock. I sold a candle and several bags of melts that way. I also moved from my inventory two signature candles (that I bought on special a few weeks ago.) So good sales for me! Of course I gave a catalog and a few samples in similar type scents to what they ordered hoping for new orders soon.
Then when I went to pick my son up from Kids Day Out, I purposefully got there early and stopped by the director's office. She had mentioned around Christmastime how much she loved candles. I just reminded her about that, and told her I would like to share my candles with her. I handed her a catalog and a scent sample, and I was ready to politely excuse myself---I didn't want to be a pest. She immeditately started looking through the catalog and was so excited. She told me that both she and her daughter LOVE candles and she would have to check these out. I gave her a brief statement or two on the quality and scent throw, and left it at that, but I feel very sure that she will order from me soon and hopefully her daughter will, too.
Finally, I gave my business card and a sample to one of my child's teachers. She immediately smelled the sample and began asking me about the company and the product. We struck up a conversation about what types of scents she likes, and I promised to bring her another sample or two in her preferred scents. Again, I feel very sure that she will place an order as well.
Now to see who I can give a card, catalog, and or sample to today???
Melissa
The buying customers came just as a result of my talking about the products and mentioning that I had some in stock. I sold a candle and several bags of melts that way. I also moved from my inventory two signature candles (that I bought on special a few weeks ago.) So good sales for me! Of course I gave a catalog and a few samples in similar type scents to what they ordered hoping for new orders soon.
Then when I went to pick my son up from Kids Day Out, I purposefully got there early and stopped by the director's office. She had mentioned around Christmastime how much she loved candles. I just reminded her about that, and told her I would like to share my candles with her. I handed her a catalog and a scent sample, and I was ready to politely excuse myself---I didn't want to be a pest. She immeditately started looking through the catalog and was so excited. She told me that both she and her daughter LOVE candles and she would have to check these out. I gave her a brief statement or two on the quality and scent throw, and left it at that, but I feel very sure that she will order from me soon and hopefully her daughter will, too.
Finally, I gave my business card and a sample to one of my child's teachers. She immediately smelled the sample and began asking me about the company and the product. We struck up a conversation about what types of scents she likes, and I promised to bring her another sample or two in her preferred scents. Again, I feel very sure that she will place an order as well.
Now to see who I can give a card, catalog, and or sample to today???
Melissa
Louann
03-14-2010, 08:05 PM
Way to go!!!!
Keep talking, keep sharing. Hand out samples to 5 people every day. Think outside the box of where you can meet people. Cashier, tellers, people in line etc. Make some small talk and then ask...Do you burn candles?
When they say yes, no, sometimes...simply respond by saying...I'm growing my candles business and I'd love to give you a free scent sample. The next time you buy a candle, or know a candle lover, I'd appreciate your business. Check out my website and register to win free candles. I give stuff away every week.
THEN STOP!!!
90% of the people will say thank you and end the conversation. And that is okay. You are just sharing what you have to offer. Some will, some wont...it doesnt matter.
10% will ask questions...at this point you can decide where to take the conversation. MANY times I don't have the time to have a full conversation there (IE line at the bank or my kids are with me) so I'll say...
"Oh I'd love to mail you a catalog...can I get your address?" Most people will do this. If they dont want to, then say, I understand. (and if you have one in your bag, go ahead and give it to them)
Once they give you the address, you can mail it. I KNOW it costs money to do that, BUT you will get a better response. People love getting mail and it shows you are a serious business person.
Tweak the system to fit your style...
You can do it...
Any of us can...
It's all about sharing!
YIPEE!
Keep talking, keep sharing. Hand out samples to 5 people every day. Think outside the box of where you can meet people. Cashier, tellers, people in line etc. Make some small talk and then ask...Do you burn candles?
When they say yes, no, sometimes...simply respond by saying...I'm growing my candles business and I'd love to give you a free scent sample. The next time you buy a candle, or know a candle lover, I'd appreciate your business. Check out my website and register to win free candles. I give stuff away every week.
THEN STOP!!!
90% of the people will say thank you and end the conversation. And that is okay. You are just sharing what you have to offer. Some will, some wont...it doesnt matter.
10% will ask questions...at this point you can decide where to take the conversation. MANY times I don't have the time to have a full conversation there (IE line at the bank or my kids are with me) so I'll say...
"Oh I'd love to mail you a catalog...can I get your address?" Most people will do this. If they dont want to, then say, I understand. (and if you have one in your bag, go ahead and give it to them)
Once they give you the address, you can mail it. I KNOW it costs money to do that, BUT you will get a better response. People love getting mail and it shows you are a serious business person.
Tweak the system to fit your style...
You can do it...
Any of us can...
It's all about sharing!
YIPEE!
AnneP
03-17-2010, 11:58 AM
Thanks, Melissa! Great job! Now, who were the people you made the actual sales to - just talking about the business with friends sort of thing?
Louann - Thanks for your post. I love how you just come right out and ask people for their business. I think that is so key, but I'm still working up the courage. I love your verbiage and will be stealing it:)
Louann - Thanks for your post. I love how you just come right out and ask people for their business. I think that is so key, but I'm still working up the courage. I love your verbiage and will be stealing it:)
