Does Saying “I’m Sorry” Get You Any Business?
August 15, 2008 by Bridget Wright
Filed under Business
I was at a PTO Board Meeting this morning, and something interesting was brought up at the meeting that I think would benefit the business women here at Biz Chicks Rule. As business women, part of our job is marketing (of course), and often having to market to people and companies that you just prefer to not deal with. It’s just part of the business of being in business. We often have to deal with people that we would prefer not to.
Anyway, the interesting topic that came up was how we should approach local businesses in the community about educating them on things that the schools are doing, asking them to donate different things to the school, etc., etc. One of the ladies who is a small business owner talked about not “apologizing” for approaching the business, asking for (something). She said that we should be firm, direct but pleasant and simply “ask for the sale.” Don’t apologize, don’t sweat it and don’t (in some cases) take no for an answer.
Do you ever apologize when you market your business? Do you sing-song “I’m sorry” when marketing your wares? How do you approach businesses and ask for the sale?
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Copyright 2008 – Bridget Wright
I NEVER apologize! I have a service they need. I look at my sales call as a favor to them – I’m about to add value to their bottom line.
If you go in apologizing, you look like you’re sorry to exist. It puts the client instantly in the mindset that this person is unsure, timid, or even a bit inept.
Lori, that is so true. If we look like we’re sorry, what incentive do we give them to do business with us?