Point 2 in Home Business Marketing Lessons from the Homeless Dude was Be Specific - i.e., give a reason. Why should I buy? (Thanks, Marti Garaughty, for linking to this from your post.)
This relates so well to my husband's recent stay in the hospital for a carotid artery "correction". Fortunately he was only there 24 hours as he is NOT a good patient! Everything that anyone did (ask him the same questions on who he was and why he was there) he grumbled about why they were doing that. After surgery, he was so full of grumbling that I actually left and went home so he could get some rest.
The following day, when the doctor's assistant was giving him his Home Care Instructions (she knows my husband as this is his third operation with that doctor) she told him that he couldn't drive a vehicle for a week. Without waiting for a question she said, "The reason you shouldn't drive is that you're in Florida, and here in Florida there are crazy drivers on the road. Although you're in control of your motions, and although You're a good driver, if someone does something crazy, you'll instinctively jerk your head around and that will cause the glue that's holding your neck together to give way and you'll be gushing blood all over." Oh, OK. That he understood, didn't grumble, and miraculously, didn't drive for the week.
So - point taken - people want to know WHY. We need to make sure to tell them that, and be sure they understand. This works for the little things, too - Why you should order the utilities 3 days before closing, Why you should wire funds to the closing agent the day before closing, Why you should have a preapproval letter when you come to look at property, etc,
Excellent point Sharon. Little kids always ask "why" and we answer. Why as adults do we get so upset when someone asks "why" and how did we get out of the habit of telling the "whys" of life?
Hi Sharon, I can relate to the "not being a good patient" thing. The rare occasion I'm sick I just hibernate from the world for a few days. Glad to hear your hubby is up and about again. In this case, the WHY is a really good one, I hope he listens!
Debbie - sometimes we can avoid being frustrated by being proactive - if we tell them the why before they ask, it's an opportunity instead of a problem.
marti - he did, indeed, listen. You and George, like most men, aren't good patients. Must be that you enjoy being in control ....
Yikes! Giving him such a descriptive visual certainly helped. I know it would have kept me grounded that's for sure!
Hope he's healing well...
kk
Kristal - some people don't respond to subtlety.