Well, she looked like she was about 7 anyway. I was at a soccer game in the park next door to where I live. This is a Hispanic neighborhood and the park is always full of people hanging out, celebrating birthdays, jumping on moonwalks, playing soccer, volleyball and basketball. I love to walk through the park in my bare feet at night to wind down before bed.
Last night, while I stood captivated by the skill of the soccer players, a little voice came from somewhere around my knees, “Querría un chocolate?” I told her, “No, gracias,” and watched as she quietly went from one person to another. No fear in her face. No remorse when she didn’t get a sale. And by the third person she sold a chocolate.
Wow! The perfect salesperson. She had something people wanted, but she didn’t push. And she didn’t discriminate between one person or the next; she just quietly asked them all.
I started thinking about how I tend to believe that selling is rude. I don’t want to “get in people’s faces” and annoy them. What I witnessed was just the opposite: I didn’t want a chocolate, but did I think that girl was rude or annoying? Not for a second. In fact, I was inspired by her.
How about you? Have you ever seen that selling can be simple, even heartwarming?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, there is nothing like a simple ask – no pressure – just giving an offer. If the answer is no – no problem. If yes – everyone is happy!
Yes, it’s much simpler that way.
I have a chocolate company, and do demos often (at Whole Foods). I don’t push my chocolates. I simply let folks notice them. If I ask them if they’d like to taste one and they say no….I don’t contract, or feel rejected. It just gets down to choice. There is no right or wrong….just personal preference/choice. It makes the whole ‘selling’ thing a lot more fun, expansive, and enjoyable for both sides….They don’t feel pressure, or pushed, and I don’t feel anything other than my own inner fullness, joy, and playfulness.