The Locker Room/Hot Tub Approach
Here is one Bill! Today I decided to use the last row of lockers that are close to the showers (thinking I wouldn’t have far to walk) and I felt I walked into the aisle of “WHO’s WHO” in my town. How do you make that approach in the locker room or hot tub when your naked and so is the guy your talking to. When I asked another Financial Associate he said, “keep it easy, and when they ask you what you do tell them, then as you see them off and on at the Y make that approach after the 2nd or 3rd time you have a conversation with them. Ask them if they would be interested in “learning about some strategies that may help them reach their goals” . I have yet to get to that point, but plan on trying it soon. What do you think? And what could be a better approach?
-AM
Thanks for taking the time to write. I have to tell you, this is one of the more unusual questions I’ve received – not so much the topic, but the setting.
Seriously though, I think we can put the setting aside and just deal with the basic situation of approaching people at your club or “the Y” for business.
Personally, I think bringing up a possible meeting on the 2nd or 3rd time is a bit aggressive – unless they express real interest in what you do. Of course, sitting on committees or playing golf as a single (joining another group) are great ways to create visibility (but with your clothes on).
If these folks are business people who might need new clients for their business, learn about them and at some point say, “If I ran into a good prospect for you and your business, how would I know it and how would you like me to introduce them to you.”
Once you have a bit of a cordial relationship going, and you’ve learned about them, their business, and their family, you can suggest a meeting – but in a very low-key manner. Here are a couple of sample conversations that just come to me as I think about it. Of course, every situation and every person will dictate how you express this.
“Jack, I’ve enjoyed meeting you and learning about you and your family. My firm and I are doing some very important and creative work for small business owners such as yourself. I’m wondering if we might get together at some point to see if I might become a resource for you. What do you think?”
“Jack, this is not something I bring up with members of the Y very often, unless I see a real reason to. We do some pretty important work for people who are nearing retirement and I like to present myself as a possible resource for you. Do you think we can grab a drink or cup of coffee sometime soon to discuss this?”
If I were you, I’d err on the side of going slower not faster. Hope this helps.
Bill