Bad Approach

I was in a public transportation when someone who was sitting beside me asked me a personal question, that is, what I do and my earning capacity. I didn't want to be impolite so I answered his questions. He was very pleasant, actually. But then, the more I indulged him, he started giving me brochures about his business proposal and how I would earn by referrals. I was actually sleepy and would have preferred a nap, but he kept on talking. When he was nearing his stop, he gave me his contact number. As if I would have given him a call!

Yeah, I would say that qualifies as a bad approach.

How did he know, though, that your desire was to rest if you did not tell him. I would have saved the person the trouble and just said no, and that it is time to rest.

Originally Posted by clarise I was in a public transportation when someone who was sitting beside me asked me a personal question, that is, what I do and my earning capacity. I didn't want to be impolite so I answered his questions. He was very pleasant, actually. But then, the more I indulged him, he started giving me brochures about his business proposal and how I would earn by referrals.

What a tough way to make a living.

Mary Kay reps are notorious for this approach, callinng it "warm conversation." A woman will act friendly and chat with you in line or at a store...and eventually invite you to buy her stuff.

I don't agree with that type of approach. How can you tell what a person needs or even if they are looking for something different in their life by jumping in and giving a huge diatribe about your product or service?? This really burns me.

I think the best way to approach someone is to simply as non-intrusive questions. Get them to talk about themselves. This is the only true way to really find out HOW you are going to prospect them.

Originally Posted by wlctrent How can you tell what a person needs or even if they are looking for something different in their life by jumping in and giving a huge diatribe about your product or service??

You can't. That's just pushing product.

Originally Posted by clarise I was in a public transportation when someone who was sitting beside me asked me a personal question, that is, what I do and my earning capacity. I didn't want to be impolite so I answered his questions. He was very pleasant, actually. But then, the more I indulged him, he started giving me brochures about his business proposal and how I would earn by referrals. I was actually sleepy and would have preferred a nap, but he kept on talking. When he was nearing his stop, he gave me his contact number. As if I would have given him a call!

That is not good practice!