Fine Line

ezza replied:

hmm i often wonder my self

I hate being pushy and whn i was at a garden show recently i was sorta told to be more 'assertive' and ask more question etc

But i dont like to get into peoples faces!!! if people want to ask a question- they will ask!!!

I guess though i have to get in that 'retail' frame of mind and be a little more assertive but polite and not pushy- is that even possable?

Snazza replied:

Are we talking recruitment wise or customer wise?

In both cases for myself - I HATE the pushy approach with a passion and it will in fact have the opposite effect with me. I will run a mile. I figure if i want to know something from someone I will ask and approach them.

But then again I am also one of those people that like to "mooch" or Browse whilst out in a shop and the second a shop assistant approaches me and asks if they can help i get all foofed and hate it. I usually end up saying NO THANK I AM JUST BROWSING and boot scoot out of there. I know they are just doing their job but if i need help i will ask for it. I am not a shy person in any way and being a Leo (sorry follow the star signs) I am meant to be a born leader etc etc. I find personally i do not in general like to follow and like to have some control and leadership roles. BUT I am NEVER pushy and i expect the same in return.

Snazza

Kelly replied:

I guess my question is - what do you consider to be pushy?

There is a fine line that we walk. But for me i dont see it as pushy if the consultant is passionate about what they do. I find that people see me this way and I try to do the same for others

Kirstin replied:

I don't mind shop assistants asking if they can help me... it sure beats being ignored whilst they discuss their plans for Satuday night! I'm not offended when the guy at the McDonalds counter asks if I want fries with that? And I'm not embarassed to say no!

I guess I try to treat my customers the same way: I ask, but I make it clear trhey are allowed to say no... some people might only need two cards, even though the price is better if they buy ten. Some people don't like hosting parties and LOTS of people are not at all interested in being a consultant. I expect to hear a lot of no's, but I figure if I don't ask, I'm NEVER going to hear a yes, either.

I think the fine line lies in how genuine you are with them. If they know you are a friendly helpful person, I think they won't be put off by a gentle enquiry. If you are aggresive, they will read your questions as 'pushy'. So I think the difference is your attitude.

I like chatty shop assistants and I think I'm a chatty consultant, asking questions, telling stories about the products, etc. I hope that people don't think I'm pushy, but I guess some sensitive or retiring people might...

Kirstin

CMmumoftwo replied:

I dont like pushy and I am not

which is prob why I cant get new faces partys :(

sashels replied:

thanks for your replies!  Looks like we are all thinking along similar lines :)

Snazza - i was thinking customer wise, but i guess it also applies to recruitment wise!

I went to an UCW and TW party recently where the consultant/demonstrator was so laid back, one of them went out for smoko breaks etc, and neither of them asked if anyone wanted to book a party. So that got me thinking of the fine lines!! lol

Thanks xx