Tell Your Story
I wrote awhile back about a terrible sales meeting I was called to participate in. Just thinking about it and re-reading it makes the hair on my neck stand up. Being told why I should use your product without you knowing a thing about me is about as insane as being asked to buy a car without the salesman knowing that his customer has 12 kids and 17 cats. (I’m exaggerating for effect of course!)
The only way to get around this problem of bad sales meetings and bad first impressions, is to know your story and to tell it! When you tell your story, your passion comes through, your dreams, your ideals and your personality in all its wonderful colors and shapes can grab the attention of the person or group you’re speaking with.
Your personal story gives value to you (and you’re earned it!) but it also gives value to those around you, because now they will know you better, know your needs, and will be better able to ask, ‘How can I help?’
Don’t know your story? Here’s an idea:
My name is (insert name) and I currently (work/volunteer) in the (xyz industry). I love this area because it allows me to (abc) which is one of my biggest (adjective here). My dream is to one day (be/do/have) (xyz).
That’s just a start… now make the story yours!
(flickr photo via bepster)
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@Richard – I think the purchaser of the of product should definitely tell their story. The people selling the product should shut up. I HATE HATE HATE when the people trying to sell their project give a 15 minute spiel. The MUCH better approach that has always worked for me is to listen to a potential client’s story, and then say based on what you’ve just told me, I understand that your goals are …..
Once I get a good picture I can say, “Based on that here’s how I think we can potentially help you, and here’s an example of what has worked in the past and why it’s relevant to your situation.”
People make the entire process entirely too hard.
Ryan, I absolutely agree. What is the best business meeting you’ve ever had? In your mind, what are the keys?
FYI, I just went to your site and you tell your personal story very well. I particularly love, “being film snob.” At least you are honest… and I’m inclined to ask what your favorite sports movie is.
Thanks Richard re: My Story. My favorite sports movie would have to be Bull Durham or Hoosiers. I’m also a huge fan of Prefontaine, but that’s more my obsession with him and not the quality of the film.
As far as your other question, perhaps that’s something I’ll put in a post in the near future as it’s a pretty lengthy topic to tackle any a comments section, especially at 5:32 when you’re about to walk out of the door for the day.
I love Hoosiers, although I haven’t watched it in quite awhile. And, sad to say but I’ve never heard of Prefontaine.
Let me know when you’ve written the post so I don’t miss it!