I was in a fraternity in college. The brothers would go out to a bar every Thursday night and try out the latest, greatest pickup lines. By far the worst line ever, the stupidest ever, was “For a fat chick, you don’t smell that bad.” Usually after a moment’s pause, a slap would ring out and occasionally a swift kick to the crotch followed. Even though the guys knew the reaction they were sure to get, some of them would try it out again anyway. Partly to show off, mostly because they were just idiots. I mean… are you kidding me?
Sadly, many of us still use lines like that in business. Being the idiots we are we insult our clients AND expect to close the deal. Instead, we get what we deserve, a slap to the face. I hope you are not doing this! But there is a possibility you are insulting, not selling, and don't even know it.
Here is a sample of the craziness I have witnessed:
- A clothing startup told prospects that the new line would “…look good, even on their body.”
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A sandwich shop had a sign up that read, “Have one of our sandwiches and you will finally know how bad of a cook your Mom was.”
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A computer company sales guy said to new clients, “I am amazed you were able to survive for as long as you have on such a crappy system.” Note: The clients had put the system in themselves.
- And my all time favorite, a bowling ball company ad that said, “…we have balls for people that need them.”
Sales are about genuinely helping and genuinely caring about the prospect. All too often, sales people are focused on crafting the catchy one liner and end up simply getting in the face of their prospects. You must be careful to make sure, whatever you are doing, you do not insult your prospect… even if she is a fat chick AND smells bad.
Posted by Mike Michalowicz (Disclaimer: I tried the line once when I was drunk. I walked with a limp for 2 months. I am an idiot.)
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