As an entrepreneur and marketer you are always on the look out of new ideas, suggestions or angles that can be transferred from one market to another.
For me, this includes when travelling, reading local newspapers, listening to other business owners and observing traders and their customers and the interaction that occurs.
Notice the word LISTEN here.
I mention this because I had one of those remarkable AHA! Moments this week when listening to a Market Trader and his customer on a Open Air Market Stall in London.
I say AHA not because I learned something new, but because it reminded me of something I already know very well and should never forget - and that is THE POWER OF QUESTIONS
It was early morning and the stall holder had not quite got all his goods out on display (a range of very interesting ROCK STAR photographs that had been digitally altered and enhanced) but he was already having some interest in his display.
One young man of around 18 or 19 was particularly interested in one photograph and enquired the price to which the stall holder replied:
“£35 to include frame” and that this was his “Special Early Morning Just Getting Started Price”
“Normal price £43″ or so he said.
Almost with out stopping to even think the young man responded:
“Thank you very much, but can I have your late on a rainy day when you have taken almost No Money Price instead?
The Stall Holders face looked a bit surprised and taken back to start with but his face quickly changed to a smile when he said:
“To you young man £22″
A remarkable £13 discount or 37% Discount just for asking the right question!!
Sometimes in negotiations, and in particular when negotiating with fellow, self made business people - you can get the most remarkable results for just having the CHEEK to ask!
In this case, I’m sure the Stall Holder was so impressed with the young man that he felt compelled to reward his INITIATIVE.
Well Done that young man - and remember in Selling and Negotiation, the POWER OF ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Recommended: Confessions Of A Salesman
Recent Comments