16
Sep
Sep
The Power of the Personal Invite
Today’s Tip - From THE SUCCESS FACTORY!
SUBJECT: Never underestimate the power of a personal invitation
Back in the `ice-age’ when I first began my direct sales business, we coached our hostesses that the way to get a great response to her party was to Call-Send-Call. First give an invitation via word of mouth, by phone or in person, then send out a postcard to remind your friend about your party and finally, the night before, I as a consultant will call all those you have invited as a final reminder.
Email offers convenience and speed for communicating in today’s busy world. However, the power of a personal invitation should not be underestimated.
My father, a recent widower since the passing of my mom earlier this year, has been working on redefining himself as a single man - a very daunting task for a 79 year old who was married to the same woman for nearly 54 years.
One place that has been a constant for him throughout his life and especially during mom’s illness is his church. While dad was always comfortable doing things with mom - flying solo to the activities offered by this very active congregation is another story. His church offers a wide variety of things to do that include a monthly senior luncheon; which my sisters and I were encouraging dad to attend. As he and mom had never before participated in this particular gathering in the past, this was a big stretch outside his comfort zone and as the date of this month’s get together loomed closer, he began back pedaling. The more we pushed, the less likely it looked as though he was going to go. “I don’t know, I’ll have to check my calendar.” “I’m not really sure about this.”
Suddenly, about three days before the lunch he began chatting excitedly to me about the lunch at church he was going to. He talked to me about the details, what time, what they would serve, who the speaker was, what the cost was - etc; etc. His attitude had done a huge turn around. We had no idea the cause but we were grateful.
Finally found out the cause for his change of heart surfaced. It was a phone call personally inviting him to come from one of the other seniors in the group. Someone wanted him there, had let him know he was important and welcome addition to the group and also let him know where to go and what to expect when he got there. Her enthusiasm for the event and for dad’s presence made him feel wanted and cared about.
He attended the luncheon and had a great time. He is already making plans for next month’s event.
Can you see how important it is that we impress upon our hostesses the power of a personal invitation? Couldn’t we use the same techniques when we remind our team members about our monthly meetings as well?
I have said it before, and I will say it again. Email, while convenient and speedy, cannot convey enthusiasm or any tone of voice despite the use of smiley faces and cute graphics. Only you and the sound of your voice or the smile on your face can accomplish that.
