The other day I was eating lunch with my business partner Sean Malarkey, as we often do after a successful afternoon webinar.
We were talking about the LeBron James “decision” that was about to happen later that night and our waiter was having a friendly debate on where he thought LeBron would go.
Finally we get to the moment where we were given our bill and I picked up the check, as Sean often conveniently “forgets” his wallet every time we seem to eat out (go figure).
Right after he handed me the bill once he had swiped my card he asked us a quick one liner joke. The joke made both Sean and I laugh and I just happened to have a smile on my face right when I was writing down the tip on the bill.
Make Your Customers Laugh
I thought this was a simple little way to engage his customers by being friendly throughout the entire meal (which most waiters are in the U.S.) but going the extra mile to make us laugh without trying to hard made it even easier for me to like and trust him more.
We end up doing more for those we know, like, and trust as these are basic networking principles. That being said, if you are looking for a way to generate more sales then have you thought about adding humor in your sales process?
If you have, please share how you do so in the comments below.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I can totally relate to the “forgot my wallet” shtick.
Humor definitely can work and can enhance likeability, but the wrong humor can have a disproportionate affect as well.
As a resident of Ohio, how do you feel about the LeBron decision? I know this is somewhat off topic from your post but thought I would ask anyway.
Nothing is funny about humor.
Hi Lewis, This is a great sales technique that I used a lot when I worked in retail back in the day. It was amazing to see how the customer was more at ease and open once I could make them laugh!
Jason Kienbaum
Jon… did you lose your wallet when we were out one time? (haha, just kidding)
I think you are right on, humor is good, but don't make it too dirty or inappropriate or it may have a negative result. Thanks for adding that feedback my man!
For me its a huge disappointment, however LeBron must have a game plan in place… or at least I hope he does. More thoughts on this over here on my other site:
http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2010/07/09/boys-...
very true
I agree. I just had lunch with someone who reps 15 sales individuals on the phones. He said the ones who make those on the phone feel comfortable and more at ease (probably with laughter) are the ones who bring home 10k per month in commission… where as the average sales guys bring home 3k who basically use the same script and say the same thing. However, its the tone of your voice and how you can make people smile which will help with conversions.
Cracking a Joke makes a deep bond between u & d client, which helps in recurring business from existing clients which saves tonnes of advertising budget on new clients. Relationships Flourishes, the fruits of which no one can imagine, As I am a Store Manager in Retail, i still get calls from clients which have done business with me 5 years back,It helps Man
awesome stuff!
My physiotherapist uses jokes/laughter to take my mind off the incredibly painful stuff he has to do to me to help me recover from a near fatal head-on collision I was in late last year. I don't hate him for hurting me every frickin' day so I guess that's a great testimony to how powerful laughter can be in creating a positive bond.
Lewis,
Please remember to tell the folk that the humor has to be “natural”. There's something a little annoying about someone who's trying to do a stand up routine.
great sense of humor is essencial for a better life style
great sense of humor is essencial for a better life style