HoneyChild You Need Spanx!

I had no idea that Spanx were a “thing” until a few weeks ago, when I bumped into a lovely gal in the deep south.  

After searching numerous stores, not finding the dress I wanted, I happened upon a little boutique where to my delight, it carried many dresses that were my particular style. I found one I really liked but it had a small problem. The skirt was slightly see-through. 

This is when my eyes were unexpectedly opened to the world I’d previously not known about.

At first I thought my saleswoman was teasing me, I had preconceived notions about who bought Spanx and “why”, but this gal..? Ten years my junior, she provided me with all the benefits to how they tuck you into all the right places, and not needing a slip - which to be honest, the last time I saw a slip was when my grandmother wore one.  

This dress was so pretty…but I needed a solution that would work for me.

As though she was unveiling secrets that only her and I could know she said, “Honeychild”, she said, “you need Spanx”!

Aaah. I got. it.

She exuberently explained how at 36 years old, she regularly wore this particular undergarment. You could have knocked me over with a feather.

This was news to me but, I’m convinced I need to give them a try. It was fun, slightly outrageous, but this gal..? Looking nothing like my dear grandmother - truly inspired me.

She continued on with more benefits; the list was endless. Like how it prevents perspiration from showing in all the wrong places, and in the Southern heat - what you don’t need is unsightly perspiration showing through…

Let’s just say I was her captive audience. With absolute confidence and with some hilarity she let me in on what I had been missing. 

This girl was good.

Why is that important, and why am I blogging about Spanx?

I want to help you connect the dots between relationships and how to sell your product to your audience.

The first element is trust. The second is a great product.

I was there for something specific - yes, I walked into her store and I was primed to buy something.  I wasn’t really in the “mood” to buy, because the other shops I’d been to, weren’t really able to help me, but she made the experience relational to me.

She connected with me.

No gimmicks, no slick sales pitch.  I was buying from her, and the warmth she offered. She also had something I really wanted. Dresses.

What did she “do” that was so impressive?

Number One

She let me know she was on my side, and didn’t try to sell me something I didn’t need. In fact, she went above and beyond by not just throwing dresses over the door to my change room.  She talked to me - authentically.  Like we were two women chatting over coffee.  She told me what was good and what wasn’t. She told me the unvarnished truth.

Number Two

She listened. And understood.

It made me want to be around her.  I enjoyed her presence, and I believe she enjoyed mine.

“Honeychild, you need Spanx”.... What is it about a southern drawl that makes you feel squishy inside…?  

She really heard my need.  She didn’t just sell me a dress, she solved a lifelong problem.

Number Three

She was authentic. You know something…? I cannot duplicate her style or her flair.  They were aspects to her personality that were unique to her, if I attempted to fake a southern drawl with my clients it wouldn’t come off well.  And I didn’t want to be her either, I just really enjoyed her and the uniqueness of her quirky personality.

I left the store feeling educated and empowered, like I had made a new connection that would keep me going back. She provided information I could trust.

A sales interaction that repels me from making a purchase? Well, let me share about a recent experience…

I was in the market to make a significant purchase, and the sales agent was so intent on selling me her product, she was willing to to say just about anything to make the sale.  The intense pre-qualification questions that were fired at me - one after another were super aggressive, and invasive, and by asking a few questions of my own - realized she had lied to me. I realize people lie because of fear, but needless to say, I found someone else to work with where I felt more comfortable. It was the complete opposite of the dress experience.

Now more than ever, people want the real thing.  Genuine relationships work. Communicating from an authentic place works. The unvarnished truth wins. Even if you don’t achieve a sale in the moment, if you share the unvarnished truth, you could possibly win that customer over for life.

So how do you balance all of that with building a business, and selling a product you believe in?

Position yourself and your product appropriately, and with the elements above you will really flourish in your biz. I’ve practiced these elements consistently and sought to serve my clients with my whole heart, and it works.

Elements to consider:

1) What is it about your personality you really like, and how do you allow that in your conversations with your clients (without overpowering them)?

2) What product are you offering, what are 3 benefits of your offering?

3) I let my clients know I am listening to them by:

Look for ways to enjoy the selling experience by enjoying your clients. :)

Nancy