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Smiling at Strangers

Guest post by: Mary Allen

Article Overview: Smiling at Strangers - I can't tell you how many countless times I've found myself grocery shopping or in the mall feeling like a grouch not wanting to talk with anyone at all. I'd tell myself, "it's too big of a hassle to 'be nice' and friendly, or I didn't have the TIME or energy. Fiddlesticks. After years of this unfulfilling practice, I decided this wasn't a true reflection of who I really am. I consider myself a loving human being, and I genuinely care about people. This old behavior was a poor reflection of me, AND it didn't make me feel good. So, I created a new practice when roaming with strangers, clerks and salespeople on my shopping excursions and errands.

Smiling at Strangers

SMILING AT STRANGERS

Smiling at Strangers- I can't tell you how many countless times I've found myself grocery shopping or in the mall feeling like a grouch not wanting to talk with anyone at all. I'd tell myself, "it's too big of a hassle to 'be nice' and friendly, or I didn't have the TIME or energy. Fiddlesticks. After years of this unfulfilling practice, I decided this wasn't a true reflection of who I really am. I consider myself a loving human being, and I genuinely care about people. This old behavior was a poor reflection of me, AND it didn't make me feel good. So, I created a new practice when roaming with strangers, clerks and salespeople on my shopping excursions and errands.

SMILING and being warm, friendly and open.That's it. Simple, and extremely fulfilling. Even the grouchiest of clerks can't help but feel happier after a momentary flash of pearly whites aimed at their heart. I continue to be amazed at how responsive and warm, strangers are to a genuine smile. And, what was once an "effort", is now a natural and happens automatically (well, MOST of the time).

SOULFUL CHALLENGE:Smile at Strangers for a week.For the many extroverts reading this, you probably already do this. I commend you..and, there is always another level. Go for it!For those of you who can relate to the original "shut-down, grouchy state" I talked about, GIVE IT A TRY. What have you got to lose? Smiles are free.

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Article Tags: clerks, grocery shopping, hassle, loving human, true reflection



Related Forum Posts
Simple way to avoid Cold Calling - Gary, A chiropractor I work with hates cold calling (me too!) and he uses a technique to warm people up to using his services - it's so simple! In Sales your dealing with 3 pools of people: 1. Strangers 2. Prospects 3. Returning Customers You need to move people from one pool to the next. We'll concentrate on #1 and #2 as it's most relevant to your question. My Clients does the following (you just have to tailor it to your situation - be creative). My Client (we'll call him Bob) Bob leverages his time and resources to only get people that need his offer (pain relief) to put their hand up. Dealing with Strangers can get expensive and they don't like to be told what to do as they have no trust or relationship built with him. So to get Strangers to put their hands up he writes up an offer with a free report on a particular pain relief - let's say lower back pain (note: he can simply just change lower back pain to neck pain and have a new report). and uses multiple marketing vehicles to promote the Free report - magazines, newspaper, forums, postcards, private clinics etc. The only people picking up this information are the very people Bob would like as customers as they have Lower back pain. Bob's Free report ends with him stating his services and includes a Free in-house Consultation with no obligation. You'd be surprised at how easily Bob converts Strangers into Prospects. Note: They become prospects when they ask for the Free Guide and in exchange provide their contact details. This gives Bob unlimited opportunity to contact them for the Free in-house consultation with no obligation to continue using him. At this stage Bob's ability to close the sale lies in his office providing good customer service, Bob's ability to help the prospect and provide value at the free in-house consultation. Notice, he hasn't had to pick up the phone to COLD-CALL his Stranger pool or his Prospect pool. Hope that example helps to increase your prospecting!
Re: Your Gmail Account can be hacked! - Very informative post , thats why i don't like to use free services for My own business , but still i'm using gmail for some Product Promotion and talking with Strangers And after reading your post i'm going to change my gmail setting right now , Thanks again for sharing
Re: pitching - Friendliness is closely related to the concept of "permission marketing" as articulated by Seth Godin. The subtitle of his book says it all: "Permission Marketing: Turning Strangers into Friends and Friends into Customers." The old method was "interruption marketing" where you suddenly get an ad in your face whether you want it or not...


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