You’re never too experienced to learn a new sales technique. I learned a great one last Friday from a young sales woman named Maureen.
Background
Maureen works for a company that makes custom fit clothing. I don’t usually purchase clothes that are custom made. For some reason I never have felt as comfortable in them as I do in those that I just pull off the rack and try on right then and there. But this was a gift from a co-worker thus I was compelled to give it another try.
Presentation
I explained to Maureen that this was going to be my only purchase from her, but that didn’t deter her from showing me a computer generated presentation about her company and asking me a series of questions about my purchasing habits. I listened and observed attentively. She was very pleasant and I consider such venues to be learning experiences that I can share with others. Maureen finished her questioning and then proceeded to measure my neck size, arm length, chest and waist.
Asking for the Business
We exchanged pleasantries before Maureen finished her measuring and began to pack her belongings. Although I enjoyed her company I was glad that we were done. We shook hands before Maureen looked at me to say, “Oh I’m sorry,” in somewhat of a sheepish manner, “I have one more question.” As she spoke, she pulled a piece of paper from her briefcase and showed it to me. It was a list of friends from my facebook page. “Looking at your friend list,” she continued, “can you think of any of them who may need to update their wardrobe?” Some may have considered this an intrusion on privacy but I didn’t. “You’re very good!” I responded as I walked her to the door and said goodbye. “Wow,” I thought to myself after she left. “How clever! I guess one’s never too experienced to learn a new perspective.”
