The Franchise Woman Marketing Tips
The Pitch: The Timids vs. The Bulldozers There is Another Option by Elizabeth Denham
W
hen women invest in a franchise, they usually opt for businesses that align with their passions and backgrounds. We all want to love what we are doing, but even more, we want to feel like we know what we are doing. And while we may know the core purpose of a business and how to manage it, we may not feel natural selling and marketing it.
“Are you the person who feels bad asking people for something? Or are you the person who bulldozes and never gives the possibility of “no” a second thought?” Are you the person who feels bad asking people for something? Or are you the person who bulldozes and never gives the possibility of “no” a second thought?
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The Franchise Woman
Both of these styles can work and be successful. But both can also be a turnoff or slow the sales process while potential customers are either thinking about it because there is no sense of urgency, or they are backing off to make sure they are not being pushed. There is, however, a third option – one that takes the intimidation factor out of the “Timids” and takes the edge off of the “Bulldozers.” You can be “The Problem Solver.” The “Problem Solver” is first and foremost a good listener. You have to listen to what people are asking for, to what challenges they are facing and to what they think can help them reach a solution. Once you have listened and really heard what this person is saying, then you have to walk down the path with the potential customer. After all, they dictate the path, not you. STEP 1. Start with small talk. If you reached out to them, tell them how you found them and ask a bit about who they are and what they do. If they reached out to you, ask how they found you and why they felt you could help. This will generally give you a sense of how to steer the conversation.
