I’ve often spoken of the importance of making a connection with people while selling The Contributor. I’ve even gone so far as to say it’s more important than the amount of money you make. I was recently asked what I meant by that. Aren’t you trying to make money? The short answer is yes, but there are times when other things take priority over that. I will do my best to explain what I mean by that here citing examples of things that have actually happened while selling the paper.
Example #1: I’ve been visiting public schools recently to highlight articles I’ve written about education and to show the variety of ways The Contributor could be useful in the classroom whether in printed or in digital form. I’ve also used this opportunity to introduce people to our newest product: The Zine, which is a cross between a comic book and a magazine.
On one of my recent outings I met Cinnamon, who was familiar with The Contributor and me — she even knew I sold the paper at Old Hickory Boulevard and Central Pike, though admittedly, she had NEVER stopped for me before. It was a pleasant surprise!
When I finished my presentation, I encouraged her to honk and wave when she came by if she saw me out there. The following Sunday after we met, she did SO much more than that! She brought her whole family by for a visit: her husband John, her son John Jr., who I learned is REALLY into Minecraft, and her daughter Simone, who shared with me her LOVE of Hello Kitty! After asking their parent’s permission, I gave each of them a Zine of their own to color. They were happy and so was I! It was VERY special to me. A connection was made for each of us.
Example #2: A young woman was stuck in traffic at my spot. I could tell just by looking at her that she was stressed out, and I got the feeling it was from something more than the traffic.
I smiled at her and tried to get her to do the same. She tried but I could tell she just wasn’t feeling it.
I thought to myself, I’ve been there, I get it. What could I do? I started making all kinds of faces, acting goofy. Everyone else in that line probably thought, what’s wrong with her? Has she lost her mind? Is she going crazy?
It was worth it though, because in practically no time at all I accomplished my goal. She busted out laughing! She mouthed the words, “thank you,” and made a heart with her hands.
I bowed my head, tipped my cap, and gave her a thumbs up and away she went. Again, a connection was made and even though the window never came down, I’m confident I will see her again. Hopefully the next time she’ll be smiling without being prompted to do so.
Example 3: The last example involves a young child maybe five or six years old whom I encountered on the sidewalk running quite a bit ahead of his mom. He ran up to my chair breathlessly telling me his name.
I thanked him for talking to me, but I told him he should ALWAYS listen to his mama because she’s knows what’s best for you. I asked if he understood what I was saying and he nodded yes.
By now his mom has gotten to my chair, she was clearly irritated, telling him, “Boy, didn’t I tell you not to be talking to strangers!” Again he nodded yes. She then asked, “What did she say to you?” In a loud and clear (but respectful) voice he said, “She told me to listen to you.”
At first she didn’t say anything, but I thought I saw her tear up a bit.
When they came back by a while later she explained they’d just moved here, they didn’t know many people yet, and she apologized. I assured her there was no need for that, telling her, “In the world we live in today, we have to do ALL we can to protect our kids. I’m certainly NOT going to fault you for that!”
She asked what I was doing and I explained about the paper. She said, “The move has taken EVERYTHING I had.” I offered to comp her a paper so she could check it out and see what it’s all about for herself, but she declined.
The best part of this interaction for me was that when we finished, I told her son, “Now that I’ve actually met your mom, you and I ARE NOT strangers anymore, and you can talk to me ANYTIME you want!” Looking up at his mom for approval she agreed, and they BOTH left me that day with a smile!
Though I DIDN’T make a sale that day, the connection was firmly established, and I have NO DOUBT that if/when she IS able, she WILL buy a paper to see what it’s all about. And even if she doesn’t, the connection we made that day will remain firmly in place!