Categories: Columns

Humor Breaks Through with Customers, Says Phibbs

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.

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Trace Shelton

Trace Shelton is the editor-in-chief of INSTORE magazine. He can be reached at trace@smartworkmedia.com.

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