Who would have thought that the grocery store would literally be the one stop shop for EVERYTHING! So how do you network for your business and build relationships in a matter of minutes at the store? I am going to give a few bullet points of what I have found that has worked for me. Keep in mind that this takes practice and some boldness, but over time you will become a pro!
So the first question that I have heard is “How can you effectively talk with the clerk at the check out counter?”
This can be tricky sometimes. There are many different variables that come into play here. What I have come across is that you have to find some kind of conversation starter. The clerks usually have a name tag on and if their name is unique ask them how to say it. Comment on their makeup or make a remark about the weather. Sounds a little funny huh? But this works! For example I was at Target… which I always am… and there was an awesome lady at the check out counter and she had a unique name. So I didn’t want to seem creepy as I stared at her name tag with a puzzled look, so I asked her how to say it. It broke the ice! I literally found out within a few minutes that she is a home schooling mom of two boys, used to live in Arizona but moved to Chicago a few years ago, she used to be a massage therapist but had to quit due to pain in her wrist, and she only works at target 2 days a week to make a little extra money for her family. WOW! Did that simple question ever break the ice! As I paid for my groceries I asked her if she was open to hearing about how she could still put her family first and make an income from home and I bet you can guess what her answer was.. YES of course! I gave her my business card and was on my way. I also had my son in the cart the whole time too. He was just chillin 🙂
Now here are some bullet points for you to follow when you are out at the store to make your conversation more effective!
* Find a question/comment to break the ice. In this example, I asked her how to say her name. It really was a beautiful name! If the store is super busy when you are there, ask the clerk how long it has been busy, then maybe ask how long they have been working at the store. Break the ice then move forward to…
*Ask questions about THEM. If you stand at the counter talking about yourself, the likelihood of you getting to know them is very small! Once you break the ice with the clerk continue to ask questions about who they are, what they like to do, do they have kids, etc etc. Get a dialogue going and they will tell you ALL about themselves. People want to feel important and especially if they are working they probably don’t have a dream of staying a store clerk forever! You will stand out from the crowd if you talk with them because most people don’t!
* Be honest and genuine. If you say to a woman clerk that you like her hair, but you really don’t, thats lying!! Find someting to comment on or ask a question about because they will see right through your phoniness (is that a word?) You know what I mean 🙂
*Always have your business cards on you! You NEVER know who you are going to meet out and about. I have a little card holder case in my diaper bag that is easily accessible to grab and hand out quickly. If you can’t fit a card holder, keep some cards in your wallet. You have to take that out to pay for your items anyway so that is an easy way to have cards on you at all times.
I hope you can use these tips when you are out at the store. Try them out! I want to hear some testimonials! Type them below…
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