WAHM Forums

I don't have the confidence to walk up to strangers in the street to talk about my business. Anyone doing this and get results?

No but when I'm having a conversation with someone I might ask them
if they might know anyone that wants to make more money, save on taxes, or have more time freedom ?

Or when in the conversation gas prices comes up
I might say yeah gas prices are high, some people are discovering how they can
get the government to pay around 58 cent on the gallon.


It's about talking to people, It's kind of funny how " old school "
is starting to be new again.

I don't specifically strike up a conversation to talk about my business. But I do strike up conversations whenever I can.

I say hello to EVERYONE. If they respond or make a comment I use it as an opportunity to chat about whatever comes up.

If there is an opening I will start to talk about my products as a customer. i.e "yeah I'm trying to get rid of those last 10 pounds too...I've been...

Or I had terrible pain like you but I tried...and it worked.

I don't do a sales pitch. I let them lead the conversation from that point.

Even if you don't get that far, you are practicing your conversational skills.

I weave my business into the topic (if it flows easily). It's called 'lifestyling' my business. Other than that, NWM is basically just that - Networking (building relationships). The '3 foot rule' is old hat. Makes one a pushy 'salesperson' - one of the things that gives NWM/MLM a bad image (imo).

Companies do it. Go to any supermarket or just look at a bill board. They are promoting their products or service to all and anyone. If you don't let people know what you have to offer it's kind of like opportunity lost. What are the odds of you seeing that stranger again? If they say no thank you or not interested then what's lost?

Myself I don't do it but if I was strictly MLM I would talk to everyone and anybody. You never know who knows who and no today may not mean no tomorrow. The person just might get a job scare and start thinking.

One more thing for Kailo. I used to be afraid of the phone as far as cold calling but to get over it I pictured myself as a robot and rather than looking for a yes i looked for no's.. Cold calling became easier as my emotion wall was slowly knocked down. It's all fear of rejection or some other insecurity. You can over come that by just doing it.. Another way to get over it is if your single and still mingle. Go to a club you never go to or will never go to again and just ask every women in the club to dance. The more no's you get the less concerned about the no's. become a robot. take the emotion out of the equation..

I dont I like to get in and out of places quickly. I am 100% Internet gal ;) ~Amy

I've been reading about some different strategies. My problem is that when I'm running errands I'm usually in such a hurry that I forget to take the time to talk to people. I have to get better at stopping to take a few minutes with people.

One thing I do is to bring up the topic and then listen to see what direction the person takes the topic. If I have a solution, I offer. Ladies are usually open about health issues like exercising, wanting to lose weight, etc.

I'm not comfortable talking about my business even when it seems to fit right into the conversation. Even when people ask me what do I do, I would give them a very vague generic answer.

I'm not comfortable talking about my business even when it seems to fit right into the conversation. Even when people ask me what do I do, I would give them a very vague generic answer.

Kailo,

Why is that are you not sold on what you have offer or do you need training ?
talking to people is a must in this industry.
Conquer you fear.

I will admit that it is easier when you have a product or service that fits easily into an everyday conversation. I always lead with the product. I don't "sell" and I don't promote the business opportunity.

Weight loss is the easiest, because people see that you have lose 20 lbs or look great and ask you what you do.

It is also easier...actually I think it is imperative that you be passionate about your products and use them yourself.

If you are not passionate about your products and you don't use them, I would suggest you step back and think about where your passion lies and follow that passion.

If you love something it's easier to talk about. think about that last great restaurant or the deal you got on a particular purchase. I bet you told people about that!

Interesting topic. I recently joined Eclipse Candle Co. and I'm trying to find ways to promote or talk to others about my business.

When you talk to others about your biz what do you say (without sounding like a infomercial)?

As I go about my everyday business I smile and say hello to everyone I meet. If I notice someone with a cute puppy, pair of shoes, hat, unique car etc I complement them on it.

Sometimes this opens a conversation...if not don't force it. The more you do it the better you will get at it. I always talk about how I am a distributor for these fabulous products...I never lead with a biz op. As someone on this forum stated...people want to buy but they don't want to be "SOLD"

I also wear branded clothing and have Monavie car stencils. I have personally gotten one really good customer just from having MonaVie on my truck. It has also opened conversations.

I also ask people what they do...at some point they are going to ask you that same question.

Hope this helps.

I sympathize with kailo. I am a Mary Kay rep and enjoy using the products. I like working with people who are interested, but when I mention that I am a Mary Kay rep to people I don't know or that haven't shown initial interest, they tend to back away from the conversation - thinking I'm going to hard sell them on something.

So I sometimes avoid saying anything and use my day job description first. Until they warm up to me and I've created rapport, I don't bring Mary Kay up - even if it seems to fit with the conversation.

So I sometimes avoid saying anything and use my day job description first. Until they warm up to me and I've created rapport, I don't bring Mary Kay up - even if it seems to fit with the conversation.

This is a very good approach. People will buy form you because they like you first then your product second. Unfortuntely, most people still have that stigma of the "dirty car sales man trying to sell you a lemon". In today's sales community developing a relationship with the prospective is very important.

I have always find it neccessary to first introduce myself and what I do. Then ask the person about what they do. Now, this is not just a simple asking with no regard for what they are saying. But I show a genuine interest about what they have to say. Eventually the conversation turns in favor of them wanting to know a little more about me.

Certainly, if time doesn't permit then a simple contact card or business card swapping should be achieved. This allows for a furture following up with a simple "thank you" card or "phone call" letting the person know how much you appreciated the time they gave you.

Just know this they may not be interested in the product but might be interested enough in you to give you a referral.

In all this is what relationship marketing is all about.

~ Larkland

Not everyone is my target market. If some asks what I do I tell them.

I like to keep my business strictly online...:) which is why I choose the company that I am with....I have no problem talking to people on the phone ..or internet...but don't want to talk to random people in the store.:)

You don't need it! Yesterday I was at the park filming a video and someone came up to me almost every time I go out filming my videos I have multiple people who come up to me and ask me what I am doing this generates leads for me.

This is just 1 stupid thing that MLM companies tell us to do. Does it work? YES! But not for all people you have to have the right personality for this to work.

Filming a video at a park will definitely draw attention and people will be curious as to what you're doing :)

Hi from California!
No I don't use the 3 foot rule. I am in a Direct Selling company and I cold called on local businesses and let them try the product too if they were really interested. Yes, I got thrown out a few times for soliciting. I learned so much as I was just starting out after being at home with my kids for 20 years. I made quite a few sales and signed two people into my business and now I am ready for the next level. Sort of got my feet wet in business. Let me know what you did to get started and what next phase you are in. It would be awesome to meet more people to resource with.
To Your Success,
Maurita in California

I'm with Amy, internet gal here! Plus, I feel kinda awkward. But I always have my business information available so if the conversation comes up, I'll be able to share information.

Great post. As for me, I weave my business in, if there is a 'door open', but I don't talk to any and everyone. I believe in karma and things seem to always work out on their own. If there is someone I really feel the need to talk to I engage in conversation, but wait for the perfect opportunity to introduce my business. Most of the time, this works out in my favor. Remember the old Hershey's Kisses saying, "Good things come to those who wait." Otherwise, you may ruin your credibility.

Have a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012,
- Nat

One more thing for Kailo. I used to be afraid of the phone as far as cold calling but to get over it I pictured myself as a robot and rather than looking for a yes i looked for no's....

That is a great way to change a mindset and overcome an obstacle!! Thanks for sharing :)

I'm not really the type to market my business out in public in front of strangers, not that the "3 Foot Rule" doesn't work. Personally I prefer using online marketing to build my business, but then again that's just me. My advice is to simply go with whatever works for you, that resonates with you, and stick with it.

Hope this helps.