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Some TIPS for Success

In making contact with people everyday either on the job or socially how do we fare. These are some tips that I have found useful. I will share five (5) and then maybe some more later.

1. Do not flaunt knowledge.

You may think it makes you look smart and informed, but others may find you pompous. "Talking at" people is a kiss of death in making a good impression.

2. Keep it short.

Telling long stories about people and topics others may not know or care about will bore and tire them. It is better to get to the point. My wife always gives me the KISS (Keep it simple stupid).

3. Share the stage

You are not the only show in town. Talking about your interests is fun, but rememeber that encounters with people can be short and it is good to find out their interests also. With customers this is vital, finding out what they like and want helps you to be able to meet their needs.

4. Go easy on the humor and keep it clean

Telling jokes is okay for the "Comedy Club". It is also a way to get people to relax and connect. But you can alienate others by performing for too long and forcing them to be your audience. Dirty jokes really are not tasteful.

5. Observe body language

Smiling, making eye contact and leaning forward suggests others are enjoying listening to you. Fidgeting, leaning back and looking away convey boredom. People may feign interst to be polite, so it is always good to be brief and then let them pursue or change the topic.

With that I will keep it short some more later on.

Comments

  • One more TIP

    6. Step off the soapbox

    You can discuss almost any topic with people if you are open to their views, but trying to convert them to your way of thinking or convince them that they are wrong and you are right doesn't play well.
  • Leo
    Leo Member Posts: 770
    From my sales days

    A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.

    Leo
  • ScottMP
    ScottMP Member Posts: 5,883
    Thanks Tim

    I now have a topic and info for our next shop meeting.

    Spoken like the gentleman you are.

    Scott

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  • ernie_3
    ernie_3 Member Posts: 191
    thanks

    already printed this one. Most times, the obvious is not spoken. Nice to see it in writing!
  • Supply House Rick
    Supply House Rick Member Posts: 1,399
    The Tip

    Be interested NOT interesting...
  • Jeff Lawrence_24
    Jeff Lawrence_24 Member Posts: 593
    Shut UP!

    Not you, Timmie.

    One thing I learded in selling to people is to let them think. Most people aren't able to make a decision with someone jabbering to them. Take a walk, look out the window, just be quiet.

    I started selling more jobs when I learned to be quiet.

    Jeff

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  • TIP # 7

    7. Don't flatter your self

    We know you know some very important people however when tempted to NAME DROP, repeat compliments paid to you or brag about achievements, remember that while others may be impressed, they may also find you vain and sense insecurity behind your need to boast. Pictures of your work and written praise from former clients goes a long way.

    I am reminded of a little story:

    A man had died and gone to heaven. At the pearly gates he met Peter. Peter addressed him with this "You need to have had something significant have happended to you to get into heaven." The reason Peter went on to say "We have times of sharing and you will have to share your experience". The man thought a minute and then it dawned on him "Hey he said I survived the Johnstown,PA flood that is pretty significant, it oughta knock their socks off". Peter patiently looked at the man and replied" Yes it will however I must warn you NOAH will be sitting in the front row!!!".
  • Heres one more #8 if you will

    8. Focus outward

    It's fun to note things we have in common with others: "Oh, I've been to Italy too!" But if we always bring the subject back to ourselves, we seem disengaged and self-involved. It's better to show interest: "Did you enjoy your stay?"

    Many times with a customer we act disinterested and believe me they pick up on it quickly. Remember we are there to serve them. Even in social settings make it a point to find out as much as you can about other people. It will make the time much more interesting.
  • J.C.A._3
    J.C.A._3 Member Posts: 2,980
    Thanks Timmie,

    Timely tips, to be sure.

    If your in the position of running a business, and have the opportunity, I highly suggest what Timmie has been saying.

    If your not in the position of your "bosses", but wish to consider furthering your "people, communications and sales skills". I believe Tim's tips are coming from a few Dale Carnigie classes he may have attended and brought to the field . This is a great way to get "pushy/crass sales people" to do their job in the best way.(sometimes it takes EMBARRSING them for their lack of knowledge)

    It teaches you to LISTEN first, and .....if you know your business, SELL it to the customer.

    All the tips are great, but one thing that has to be emphasized(sp.), is the ability to LISTEN. Give them what they want,but always be thoughful of the things they need.Do it in their best interest, and you'll come up smelling like a rose in most cases. The ones that don't work out will remember you for the "repair/fix" that they asked for,and probably call you to to come in after the "cheap guy", didn't. JMHO. Chris
  • ScottMP
    ScottMP Member Posts: 5,883
    I've heard

    that Johnny Carson was a such a great host because he Listened to his guest. He asked a question and then let them speak about themselves.

    That idea has worked wonders for me.

    Scott

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  • Jeff Lawrence_24
    Jeff Lawrence_24 Member Posts: 593
    Good point

    Chris and Scott, ya'll make an wonderful point. Actually listening is foremost.

    I was in a meeting with a homeowner and was told I got the job because I answered the questions as they were asked, not thinking about what the next question would be.

    I know of a couple of reps that you can tell they are thinking of the next question instaed of listening to the current one.



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  • jackchips_2
    jackchips_2 Member Posts: 1,337
    Excellent, Scott.

    That must be why Meet the Press with Tim Russert is so good and it's hard to watch Hardball.

    Tim certainly adds a great deal to the Wall. So much better than all that whining over HD and Wallmart.
  • You guys will all like #9

    Scott and Chris you are right on....

    9. Pay full attention

    Do you listen when others speak or are you just waiting to break in? Rapid nodding and saying "Uh huh, uh huh" suggests you're hungry to talk and not listening at all. You know guys how we do that with the wife when she is talking and we do not listen whoops do I really do that. Many of the training sessions I have attended call it ACTIVE LISTENING which means you are hearing everything the person is saying and computing all of it into your brain. In school they called it paying attention!!!
  • And here is #10

    10. Curb complaints

    Your personal problems are much more intersting to you and your close friends than to other people. New acquaintances do not want to hear them. If you find your self complaining all the time maybe the problem is YOU!!I worked with a guy we used to call Dr. DOOM all he did was complain and gripe about everthing. He is presently a very sick man with all kinds of ailments. A good outlook on life is good for your health. Every thing is not as bad as we want to make it out to be. All things are actually working together for good.

    These 10 Tips have no real origin as far as I know. They are some of the many things I have written down over the years to help myself get through each day. Some are original some I probably copied from somewhere. I know these are not from Carnegie as I have all that stuff cataloged so I do not plaguerize it. As a writer you have to be careful with others written words. I hope these have helped you in your daily endeavours.
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