We attended a Mariner’s game on opening weekend and as in prior years there were street preachers outside the stadium. Using portable speakers and holding large signs they let the fans know what bad people they (the fans) are, that they’re doomed, and how to be saved.
That’s their right and I’m not concerned about their message but rather in their style, which is totally outdated. Degrading people so loudly it’s hard to hold a conversation is annoying and I’ll bet they turn off more people than they reach. Their issues include:
- They have no relationship with those they’re trying to reach (in business you must have a relationship with prospective clients or customers).
- The speakers are yelling about their own problem not necessarily the audiences (you must know your customer problem in order to solve it).
- It’s pushy, like the old used car salesperson stereotype, and in the age of complete information, people don’t like to be pushed (you want to guide clients to the best solution, which you hope is what you offer).
Whether it’s a new client or a buy-sell deal partner it’s not about being loud it’s about getting to know them and understand their problem.
“Money is in some respects life’s fire: it is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.”
