Happy Monday! I have to admit, what I’m sharing with you today is borrowed insight, but it IS incredibly useful information – at least, if you want to close more shoppers who would otherwise not buy from you.
Bob Phibbs, otherwise known as The Retail Doctor, has a blog post out this week that’s spot on when it comes to connecting with customers who are wrapped in a protective “cocoon.” He talks about the fact that because of the choices available to us in social media and online, we’ve all begun creating our own little worlds that show us only what we care about and agree with, while keeping out anything that may shake up our world. How do you connect with a customer like that?
Answer: Humor. More specifically, humor with natural banter. As Phibbs points out, it’s why Siri has the funny banter that he/she does when you ask your iPhone questions.
But how do you use humor without seeming awkward or forced? Phibbs has several great strategies, but I feel terrible giving them away here. Instead, I’m going to point you toward his blog post, and hope you’ll read it – and use it in your next selling opportunity.
You can read Bob Phibbs’ blog post here. And if you’d like to read his thoughts on the best way to run a jewelry store and break down barriers with customers, go here.
Advertisement
/* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR WEBPAGE * * */
var disqus_shortname = ‘instoremag’; // required: replace example with your forum shortname
/* * * DON’T EDIT BELOW THIS LINE * * */
(function() {
var dsq = document.createElement(‘script’); dsq.type = ‘text/javascript’; dsq.async = true;
dsq.src = ‘http://’ + disqus_shortname + ‘.disqus.com/embed.js’;
(document.getElementsByTagName(‘head’)[0] || document.getElementsByTagName(‘body’)[0]).appendChild(dsq);
})();
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
blog comments powered by
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
