I learned something from someone who approached me at a department store recently. Waiting on a friend, I was browsing a selection of watches. He asked me about watches, then asked me about the one I was wearing. Not a bad way to engage conversation. He made it about me. Eventually, he changed gears quickly and asked me if I would like to make an additional $100K every year. Bonanza!
My response, taking a few long strides forward: "I'm not particularly interested in non-traditional business models," which is not entirely true. "What do you mean," he asked.
"You just walked up to me in a department store, we had a brief and friendly exchange of thoughts on watches, then you asked me if I wanted to make an additional $100K a year. If you're pitching a traditional business model to me, standing next to the watch counter, I'll hand over my wallet now." Then this precocious entrepreneur said what led to this post: "You're right, I'm really looking for people who are more passionate and enthusiastic about doing business." This, as he walked away.
The title of this post says it all. Otherwise, this guy's approach was great. He had me engaged in a conversation and I was open to discussion. He had already won 90% of the battle. Clearly, however, he was looking for low hanging fruit (in an economy where there's not much of that). Another observation: he may have been standing in front of the best business opportunity that he's ever had, but he was short sited. Engaging through intrepid cold pitching without batting an lash may not be the best approach. Finally, with low hanging fruit at the core of your business model, opportunities to realize greatness are very close, yet so very far.
