Can I ask you a question?
(Image from Flickr, by Paul Keleher)
They lurk in malls, selling soap, oversized stuffed animals and mobile phone accessories. As you pass, they ask, “Can I ask you a question?” Those unlucky few who respond, “Yes,” seem as naïve as New York tourists staring up at skyscraper.
I’m sure “Can I ask you a question?” was a great sales technique at some point. But it becomes less useful with each additional vendor that adopts it.
Consider a new approach: Instead of, “Can I ask you a question?” ask, “May I tell you something useful?” “May I tell you something funny?” “Can I help you find a store?”
If each of these vendors were armed with helpful resources that would benefit the average mall-walker, I think it might boost their sales.
What do you think?
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Given the turnover ratio for these workers, I’m not sure the time and/or money that would be need to be invested in their training would be worth it. I also don’t think that one question is going to spark every customer’s interest. For these workers, its more about playing the “law of averages”. Ask the same question to as many people as possible, and someones bound to show some interest eventually.
Comment by Jason F — September 9, 2008 @ 6:50 pm