Comments on: Why Seth Feels That “May I Help You?” Is Useless

By: Dawud Miracle

Dawud Miracle — Mon, 14 May 2007 12:26:46 +0000

Karin H.,

Yeah…being a big proponent of semantics, I find language is really important. The words we say directly shows how we feel and think.

Seth’s point is an interesting one. Often, I don’t think the client/customer knows what they need. It’s our job, then, to help them.

By: Karin Karin H.

Karin Karin H. — Sun, 13 May 2007 11:43:29 +0000

I’d read Seth’s post also and felt a bit queezy about it. We don’t ask if a prospect comes into our shop “may we help you”, but rather “How can we help you?”.

A slight different wording, but IMHO a big difference in starting a conversation. Prospect is looking for something, 9 times out of 10 doesn’t know exactly where he/she is looking for – so many choices in wood types, floor types etc. And that’s where we come in, not?

Karin H. H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

By: Dawud Miracle

Dawud Miracle — Thu, 10 May 2007 23:10:21 +0000

Brett,

Absolutely. I usually let my prospects do most of the talking, actually. I think of that initial contact as me interview them even more than they interviewing me.

By: Brett Evans

Brett Evans — Thu, 10 May 2007 20:38:58 +0000

I ususually go for open end questions that can not be answered in a yes or no format.

That way they have to think a little before they shut you out.

By: Dawud Miracle

Dawud Miracle — Thu, 10 May 2007 15:41:20 +0000

Florchakh,

True. That’s why I tried to add meaning to his point. I think his is a good one, and I’d love to hear more from him on the topic.

By: Florchakh

Florchakh — Thu, 10 May 2007 15:10:02 +0000

Answer for question in post title is pretty short – he does it just because talking about ‘useless’ things is more eyepopping than talking about something that has some value to add. Also, it’s easier in fact.