Bumper Sticker Culture - II (the muffin man)

Chuck Conway left a great comment on my post 'Bumper Sticker Culture':

I wrote:

... I met with a potential client and when she asked me if I had a brochure, I told her nope. I don't use them. I told her that I think they depersonalize relationships and I care more about her and her objectives than to give her a meaningless piece of paper that I've given to hundreds of other people. It felt great. I'm not sure she quite understood, but time will tell.

To which Chuck commented:

If she doesn't come back, send me her address and I'll send her one of my brochures. ;)

Damn, with friends like you Chuck! ;-)

Seriously, the full story is that I did not take a brochure - but I didn't walk in empty handed. I had met the lady several days earlier when her company was moving into a new office. The normal small talk ensued, what do you do, etc. etc. I made the joke that I read and sleep, the joke back to me was that they spend their time eating. So, what did I do? I went to one of the best bakeries in town, got 6 of those mega blueberry muffins, a thing of soft whipped butter from the grocery store, and a copy of Purple Cow (with a business card inside). I played the part of the business welcome wagon.

I wasn't there for business - I was there as a nice guy. It may turn into business one day, if so that would be cool - her organization does cool stuff. But if not, no big deal, I've started a relationship.

Comments

[Chuck Conway]

You weren't hitting on her.. were you? ;)

Seriously it sounds like a great way to sweep .. I mean, to start business relationship.

In way you were giving away a free sample. I'm sure you read this (http://www.cconway.com/index.php?p=166) but I think what you did is great. Even if she doesn't need your services, she might remember what you did and recommend you to someone else.

[fouro]

....she might remember what you did and recommend you to someone else.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

• The purpose of marketing is to make selling unnecessary. - Drucker

Okay. That's a bullet point. And a bumper sticker. Everything you need to know to move Benzes, toothpaste or the fact that "we're sorry, but the company won't be distributing annual bonuses this year" is in that statement.

Seriously. It's not Zen. It's not a joke. Just human nature, and some truth. All the tools you need. Now go do it.

[Chuck Conway]

Fouro,

At first I didn't get the quote. Now it makes total sense.

Thanks

Chuck

[fouro]

Heh, Chuck, I'm dying to know if you're goofing on me.