The other day, I was sitting in my car at a traffic light, and the driver next to me to my right gives me the hand motion to roll down my window. [Now that we no longer have crank windows, the signal is just pointing with your index finger down.] Usually, when something like this happens, someone is asking for directions or perhaps providing a passing compliment or warning you of a problem with your vehicle (you're trunk is open or gas cap is hanging off). However, this person absolutely floored me.
He started off by saying. "You're a woman...I'm sure you wear perfume, right?" I'm thinking to myself...uh, yes, every now and then. I'm thinking this guy must be insane...if he didn't have a woman in the car with him, I would have immediately rolled the window back up! So he asks me, "What kind of perfume is it?" Okay, so I humor him, and for the record, I like "Romance" by Ralph Lauren.
Needless to say, it's a bit of an awkward moment, and as the light was starting to turn green, he finally got to the point...but it was too late. He started saying, "I'm a Fayetteville State student, and we are sending samples...". Sorry, guy, too late. I've already sped past and I'm turning left at the light. I was a little disturbed by the approach, but then again, I did admire the guy for being gutsy.
It made me think, if I was at a stop light and absolutely needed to tell the person in the next car over about my business. What would I say? Unlike the elevator pitch where you have a captive audience that can't go anywhere, and you have only enough time to make your pitch before the elevator opens ...what is your traffic light pitch? What would you say to captivate someone's attention before they speed off and think you're an absolute nut case? :-) What would you say that would give them an opportunity to know about your company and to find out more information.
This man had a difficult time because he had to break the ice and then get to his point. He couldn't just yell out his window, "Hey Lady! What kind of perfume are you wearing?" Zip...up goes the window. On the other hand, he didn't have time to get to his point...which was..."My name is _____, and I'm a student at Fayetteville State University, and we're asking this question because _________."
So if I ever see you at a stop light, don't be surprised if I motion to you to roll down the window and say, "Hi there! You look like a smart business owner. Do you or someone you know need a strategic consultant or speaker who helps you strategically handle change? Check out our website at 1000 Cranes.com and let us know if we can help! That's 1-0-0-0-C-R-A-N-E-S DOT COM!" Simple and to the point. Get them thinking about it and hopefully by the time they can get to a computer, they are finding out more about your business.
You never know what will happen to you at the next stop light! I may give it a try sometime and see where it leads me. It may prove to be an innovative form of prospecting!