Observations In Life

I was walking through Macy’s at the mall just “browsing” the cologne section. I knew I wanted something new and had some ideas about the hottest scents out there that might be good. As I walked around the counter, I noticed the saleswoman standing there watching me as I sprayed different scents onto paper strips to test. She could sense my frustration and approached me with the standard “Hi, may I help you?”. I followed suit and replied with the standard “No thanks, I’m just browsing.” At this point she took her cue and gave me space.

As I walked around the glass counter I met up with her again. She mentioned that some new scents had just come in and asked what I usually wore. That simple question and its wisdom would result in a sale. I went over my standard fragrances that I was bored of, and what I thought worked and didn’t. She listened. When I was done talking she motioned me over to a counter an suggested I try a new fragrance, the Lacoste Elegance Eau de Toilette Spray. She suggested that I spray it on my wrist and then walk away for 10 minutes to let it sink in. I did as instructed. She new like the dog seller at the pet store…allow the customer to see how they feel with your product and they won’t want to live without it. As each minute passed and I smelled my wrist and had others smell my wrist to get their opinion I grew more excited. She made me my own best salesperson and within 10 minutes I was back to purchase the largest bottle they had. Now I’m hooked.

We get bombarded with sales and advertising all day everyday. Our automatic response is to say “no” no matter what is being offered. It’s an interesting social phenomenon and those who truly understand it are more likely to be successful at what they do. Humans are overwhelmed with everything in today’s society, and our automatic response is to filter out the weakest messages.

The saleswoman understood me just as she’s understood hundreds before me and will hundreds after me. I’m happy with my new acquisition and will be sure to return for a repeat purchase when the time comes.