Yes! There is a difference! Being persistent means being determined, unrelenting, and enduring through the tough times. Being pushy? Well, as we all know, means stepping beyond acceptable boundaries. So, how do we know where to draw the line? Is there a clearly defined way of knowing when we are going too far?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer on this one. We cannot always know when we are pushing that fine line. Very few people, especially women, will come right out and tell you that you are driving them bonkers! We have to learn to interpret, and accept the subtle signs that our customer/potential customer simply is not interested. Is she avoiding eye contact with you when you cross paths at the grocery store? Has she not returned your calls? Does she turn and run the other direction if she sees you walking down the street? (Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so subtle, but I think you get my point.)
I think the bigger question here is what is it that we are doing to make them feel like this? What do we need to do to avoid this altogether? My personal opinion; make a conscious effort to make every encounter with every person we meet as pleasant for them as possible. Mary Kay said “Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying ‘Make me feel important.’” Notice, that sign does not say “Make me want to buy something.”
When I see people that I know, especially if they know that I am an IBC, I make sure that the conversation does not begin with MK. If the conversation graduates to that subject, it’s great. If it doesn’t, so what! I’ve just had a nice conversation with a friend. My sister told me when I started that she was not interested in anything MK. I respected that, and didn’t mention it at all to her. However, when she comes by my house, she always looks at the random things that may be lying around. She has purchased two things from me in the last week, and is thinking about a third. The cashier at the gas station had told me that she didn’t have time for a makeover. No big deal. Tonight, as soon as I walked in the door, she asked me how much the eye shadow was, because she had tried the original sample I had given her, and she loved it. I told her how much it was, and that she could get one for free if she would be a model for my portfolio. She’s coming over next week. Imagine that….I have two customers who were not intially interested, and without another word about it from me, they are now wanting more. Was I pushy? Of course not! Was I persistent? Yes, but not about MK. I was persistent in the context of being personable and respecting limits.
Hello everyone! I just wanted to invite everyone to please tell me a little about yourselves. I would just like to know a bit about the people that are reading my blog! There’s not a set structure for this, so just tell what you feel like telling! I’ll start….
I just wanted to thank everyone that comes to my blog to read, and comment on the things that I have to say. It is so nice to have supportive people around me, even if it is “only” online. I have a great support system in my “real” life, but it is always nice to have an outside opinion on things. If you have read my blog, and have not commented, please do so! Everyone is welcome here, as long as they are civil.
Okay, I am setting up a booth next weekend at a local car show. I want to attract as many people as possible, because I am doing this to benefit the MKACF. I have tons of brochures, and plan on playing the video about the foundation. I am going to be giving away a gift basket, and have the bags that people can recycle their cell phones. My biggest concern, is decorating the table so that people will want to come over and look at what I have out. I want this to be a HUGE success, but because I have never done anything like this, I am desperate for some ideas. Anyone have any? Posters, signs, etc.?
