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How to quit rambling?


RikaKazak

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So I have a history of rambling when I get nervous.  And once I notice I start rambling, it makes me even more nervous, which causes more rambling.

 

Most of the time, the "rambling viscous circle" never begins, but yesterday it popped up and ruined a GREAT location I almost closed.

 

I know lots of threads have been started about "getting up the nerve" to locate.  But what about "not getting so nervous you ruin the pitch by rambling on?"  Curious if anyone else suffers from rambling like me, and if so, what they did to cure it???

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Oh boy, you're preaching to the choir here.  Sorry that happened to you - I do the same thing and it's a horrible habit.  Some of us are just uncomfortable with even a moment of silence when we're interacting with new people.  

 

I've gotten better at it, only because I've learned to ask open-ended questions and then SHUT UP.  Also, making sure you have the main points of your pitch indexed in your mind and memorized so that when the time comes you don't even have to guess whether or not you've covered what types of equipment you run.  

 

But the big thing is open-ended questions.  HUGE difference between "Are you happy with your current vending service" and "Talk to me about the one thing you wish your current vending service did better."  Huge.  

And did I mention shut up...I'll mention it again!  I also have a nasty habit of interrupting people and trying to finish their sentence or assure them that, as their vendor, I wouldn't do that".  

 

For example:

Location owner:  These guys never seem to be here.  The candy bars are routinely empty and...

 

Me:  Isn't that the worst!  My wife and I always have a set service cycle that includes...

 

Shut...UP.  The owner was just in the process of bad-mouthing a competitor and I interrupted them.  Also, I'm curious Rika - how do you know it was your rambling that ruined it?    

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Do lots of smiling!  Engage yourself in the conversation with more physical motions, rather than just verbal.  Let the client talk!  Listen to their needs/desires...and decide if you can fulfill what they need from a vending operator (maybe it's specific types of machines, better service, more commission,etc).  Don't overdo the talking.  Keep it short and sweet, but keep to your main points and still be personable.  

 

Be prepared to answer questions.  Example:  "What types of machines do you have?"

 

Bad answer:  "Well, I have Beaver, Eagle, Oak, etc machines, Beaver are fancy and Oak are reliable, but economical.  They can sell toys or candy for 25 or 50 cents...."  It's too wordy and will be overwhelming.

 

Train yourself to answer more in this fashion:  "I provide bulk vending machines that sell candy or small capsuled toys.  Here's a picture of what some look like..."

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At the end of my "impromptu pitch" he said, "you sound pretty new to this, I think I'd prefer someone with more experience."

 

I rambled HARD...it was BAD!  (granted I am new...only a little over a year doing this...but still, it was BAD...I can usually fake it as someone that's been doing it 5+ years easily).

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At the end of my "impromptu pitch" he said, "you sound pretty new to this, I think I'd prefer someone with more experience."

 

I rambled HARD...it was BAD!  (granted I am new...only a little over a year doing this...but still, it was BAD...I can usually fake it as someone that's been doing it 5+ years easily).

 

Ok, that's unfortunate, but personally I wouldn't give up on it!  I would go back and say "Ya know, I was thinking about what you said and you're right, I have only been at this for a year, but I am learning all of time.  I get a little nervous with sales pitches, but I am very good at servicing my machines.  I can even give you some references if you would like (have those prepared).  I really would like to earn your business, so I'll tell you what, give me two months to place machines here, and if you aren't thrilled, then I will get them out of here, and you'll never have to see me again!"

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  • 6 months later...

At the end of my "impromptu pitch" he said, "you sound pretty new to this, I think I'd prefer someone with more experience."

 

I rambled HARD...it was BAD!  (granted I am new...only a little over a year doing this...but still, it was BAD...I can usually fake it as someone that's been doing it 5+ years easily).

Damn man.... That's rough.     I've been telling people UP FRONT that I'm just getting started, so far nobody I've pitched to has implied that is a problem or concern, BUT, that said, I've only tried to locate in about 10 locations so far, so that really isn't saying much.   The HARDEST part for me is figuring out the opening words, once I get the conversation "set" I'm golden, at least I think so.  

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