How do you handle it when you’re standing there in front of someone who has a negative attitude about your company? You’ve done nothing but be supportive of this other person’s company and expect a little respect and open ears to hear what you have to say.
Do you run for cover? – Do you stand there and say OK – it’s not for you right now? – Do you get defensive about what you think is the greatest thing since sliced bread? – Do you …???
Yesterday I found myself doing all 3 of my responses above. I also wanted to figure out how to dig a hole into the pavement and just cover myself up! When you try the 30 second elevator speech with someone who is not willing to listen or actually won’t permit you to sit and do a legitimate presentation, are you doing them a disservice by even trying to talk to them at that moment?
It’s so important to find a way to bring value to that person – But, how do you handle it when you really don’t know what that person values? No matter how well you think you know them. You think they care for people, but it still always comes down to time & money and what they want to accomplish.
So, we’re all in the same boat together – we want to be of value to each other. We want to give quality information about our own passions and loves and we have to see that it really may be “not right now” for people when you’re introducing them to new concepts and ideas.
Take the time to build relationships – we are back to the “who you know” mentality of the “good-ol-boys” (gals) groups! Learn how what you have is of value to someone else and always realize that it takes real face-time (and not 100% Facebook) to build those relationships.
Image via Wikipedia
Maybe, if you’re the sole proprietor of your own business, your new office is at a Starbucks and not at your laptop in your den/office! Get out – Get to know people – Experience what is important to people and then show them how you can be of value to them and their goals. We all have goals…so – when can we meet for coffee?
Related Articles
- Elevator Speeches: Like Speed Dating for the Business World (businesstravellogue.com)
- Building Relationships on Social Media; Post things people can relate to, leave out 99% of the negatives in your life (a2sm.com)
- Face 2 Face Matters, Because You Can’t Shake Hands With A Screen (Phyllis K.) (smallbizlender.wordpress.com)
- Crisis Communications Steps for the Social Media Era (kilgannonsays.wordpress.com)
- The Three Minute Elevator Pitch (customerthink.com)
Distinct Inspirations 
Posted by ruzanne on April 18, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Hey, Glenda! This came at an amazing time when I’m faced with serious questions about what me and my staff do. No doubt, negative feedback can cause too much stress. That’s why it’s very important for me to be upfront about our limitations so that no client would go barking damaging things about me and the staff. Also, it is very important that we keep communications open and not just rely on social network to keep clients posted. 🙂 Thanks for this.
Posted by Glenda on May 4, 2011 at 4:25 pm
I apologize for missing this comment on my blog Ruzanne! I know how important in this economy that we all provide the best service we can – which is why I have to say Shame On Me…What kind of service does that mean I provide…