Why you should stop to chat.

[Eddie dragon]

Nearly a year after swaping them to Wfp, little old lady decided she don't like it so cancelled. Few doors up there's a mum's meeting going on on in the middle of the path. I Made a silly comment, about putting a table an chairs out as I went past and got chatting. Total result. picked up three in a row and one opposite all monthly.

I know time is money and some days. To many people are at home an the little chats on door steps add up. I believe it's worth my time though. A happy friendly customer is a loyal customer.

 

[brianbadonde]

Agreed. I always say "good morning/afternoon" to people passing by as I work. This automatically makes you appear approachable. Very often people have said good morning back, carried on walking, then turn round and ask what you charge. I have got loads of work like this. It shows that people are hesitant to ask so if you make the feel at ease it makes them open up.

 

[brianbadonde]

However sometimes it backfires as I can be a chatterbox and if you meet another chatterbox your hourly rate plummets lol

 

[Dave B]

For me it is not all about hourly rate

Some guys get obsessed with all that imo

I earn well and like the lifestyle but if i want to chat or have a break it makes no difference as i am still earning a good days pay

Life is not all about the money

 

[Adams0211]

I've made a point of speaking to people more since I've been window cleaning. Before, I'd just go about my business with my head down and pay no attention to people around me. It always felt easier and less awkward. Now I've overcome that awkwardness I don't give a **** and will talk to anyone.

I was cleaning a house a few weeks back and the woman opposite called me over and asked for a quote. She said she's seen me working in her street before but kept missing me. She also said that since I'd last been round she'd seen two other window cleaners but wanted to wait for me as I seemed more approachable whereas the other two were heads-down sort of blokes who didn't seem interested. It definitely pays to be friendly.

 

[David K]

Agree it def. makes you pick up new work easier. If they seen your around for while ,friendly an all, you will be their new window cleaner if they are on the market for one. It all comes down to trust for a lot of people.

 

[Kenny Q]

Good post.. I can look like doc Martin sometimes, I need to exercise the smile muscles

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

Everyone gets a greeting - My favorites are the ones that march forward head down eyes fixed on the pavement, they nearly have a heart attack when I bellow out 'Morning' or a 'How are you?'

I have seen enough miserable looking windies etc in my time, to a point where some must think it's the standard uniform for us.

Me, always smiling no matter how crap the day goes, as Q said to Bond, 'Never let them see you bleed' Too true, if you got your scowl on who's gonna want to approach you?

All dogs get a stroke, all kids get a hi 5 all neighbors get a 'I noted the back gutters blocked, do you me to look at that for you?' or any similar task that needs doing.

It's all marketing.

I think too long the 'I'm too busy to deal with the likes of you attitude' has taken the spotlight and this is reflected by customers that seem timid in their approach to you 'Oh, is there any chance, if it's no trouble, if you're not too busy, if i'm not disturbing you, if you have time' etc etc.

Me: 'I always have time for a new customer luv, now what can I do for you?'

Amazing what a little positive attitude will do for you.

 

[Dave B]

It goes back to the great Norman Stanley Fletcher

"Don't let the ******** grind you down"

 

[Neilmnwc]

I've alway's found a quick hello & pass the time of day works, I've picked a lot of work up by doing it, often neighbours & friends too. It helps my day breeze along as well. No one likes a grumpy sod...

 

[Poles Apart]

Always find time to chat and have a tea, I like to enjoy the job not just toil away relentlessly.

 

[steve garwood]

Agree with all comments. I recently posted on another thread how I try to be 'steve', not 'the window cleaner'. Think that personal touch keeps the customers loyal /emoticons/smile.png. Now pub

 

[adamangler]

I'm the opposite, obviously I knock on the door and say hello just cleaning your windows. but I never attempt to get into conversation if possible. no interest in it to be honest I'm happy not to see or speak to anyone, much rather pull up with no one in, get round as quick as possible and get home and then I can get on with my life. but I'm not great at socialising, some people are just natural gift of the gab types and that's just not me. u like to get my head down and graft, I'll. be pleasant and do what I have to but I'd much rather just get on with my work.

 

[Leeds]

Just view it as informal canvassing!