Do you remember your mother telling you to smile, when you were a child? She was right, and you should keep that in mind the next time your school holds a fundraiser. Show those pearly whites and put a twinkle in your eye, because smiles are contagious.
Selling’s not easy, even for the seasoned salesperson. You’re going to hear a lot more “no thanks,” before you get that one “yes,” but don’t let that get you down. There is nothing more thrilling than making the first big sale of the day. Bring it on with smile power, which unleashes a flurry of good feelings. Even a hardened grouch will have a tough time resisting the charm of a genuinely offered smile. Just try to play the Grinch, when that gapped-tooth little squirt is knocking on your door, with a fundraising invite only the most cold-blooded heart could refuse. That’s a perfect illustration of the pump-you-up, motivational power of a smiling face.
We know that many parents will not jump for joy the next time your school announces a new fundraiser. Still, in these tough economic times – with shrinking school budgets — fundraisers are a fact of life for schools. Students, teachers, and parents want to see student athletes advance to the nationals. Proud Moms and Dads want to cheer on their school’s football team. Instructors dream about those field trips that often spark a lifelong pursuit for a young child.
A simple smile is the key that unlocks all those dreams, because joy is contagious, and smiles are the magnets that irresistibly draw others to climb onboard the fundraising wagon.
It sounds so simple, but believe it or not, the smile may be your most powerful sales tool ever! Smiling sends forth an irresistible invitation to smile back. Research shows that smiling directly influences other people’s attitudes, and how they respond to you. So, when you are out selling candy, popcorn, discount cards, or peanut brittle for your school, smile.
Think about how a smile makes you feel. And, when you smile, it shows others you are approachable. A smile also radiates positive emotions. When you smile, it also signals you are focused on the positive. Instead of bracing yourself for a turndown, as you approach a new prospect, smiling will give you the confidence to believe in what you are doing. That confident demeanor will tease out a “yes.” You will close the sale with your winsome demeanor.
And, even if you don’t make a sale, you made the other person feel at ease. Since you left them with a good impression, they will remember the cause, or the team, when the next fundraiser gets underway.
So remember, when you embark on a sales fundraiser, make sure you help your students understand the importance of a smile. It’s the greatest selling technique ever, and it makes you feel good, too!