Hip Socket readers, we need your help. A client has asked for a document listing “word tracks” for the best way to speak with customers of each DISC style. We’d like to turn that request into a handout and possibly a podcast episode for our DISC resources page. Please comment on this post answering the question: What words or phrases …
How to become an aspirational brand
“No soup for you!” The Soup Nazi got away with saying that in the classic Seinfeld episode because the soup was just that good. Customers were fawning and falling over themselves to obey the rules and buy soup. I have seen a Soup Nazi approach tried in the real world … but it turns out customers do not fawn over …
Please argue with your customers
I have observed a lot of sales professionals over the years. There are three kinds: If you want to know if you are dealing with a thriving sales professional, look to the long-term outcome. Some salespeople are charming, some are not. Hot spells and cold spells come and go. Many have long careers. But over time, the thriving sales professional …
Influencers in your business
The sexy idol on a pole It was a small naked woman on a pole. She represented the power of the female … sex … abundance … wealth. … And her influence eventually caused the downfall of a nation. You probably didn’t come here for a Sunday school lesson, but here’s the short version: When God gave the Israelites the …
Using DISC with customers
Selling to stars I recently learned that a client of mine sold a car to an absolute icon of alternative music. My lips, of course, are sealed on who that is. But I can tell you this: That individual may have participated in a lot of recreational chemicals over the years. And the sober-but-energetic sales consultant who “upped” the star? …
Discretionary effort: The secret to business success
Have you ever received a gift–say, baked goods, or a small gift–from a customer? News flash for all readers outside of China, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and Laos: You don’t live in a Communist country. That means that any gift you received ain’t a bribe: It’s an actual gift. You provide a product or service, they provide payment. That’s the …
One company’s littlest act yielded the strongest loyalty
A client told me this story last week. I had to pass it along. He was trying to buy his first house in the 1980, when interest rates were still high, and banks were still skeptical. The bank told him he just didn’t have enough credit history. As an automotive technician who watched his pennies, he hadn’t had a credit …
The ancient secret to better customer interactions
This is the first in a series of posts about the DISC behavioral model. It’s a crucial part of how Hip Socket helps clients. We hope this gives current clients more insight and future clients a peek behind the curtain. Cranky customers now crankier? Did the pandemic permanently change your customers? Science says “yes.” A recent psychology study used quantitative …
K’s Story: 3 Customer Experience Pitfalls
Put yourself in the shoes of a young woman trying to buy a car. This true story points out three problems relevant to anyone involved in selling anything to customers. How do you measure up? Questions? Comments? Ideas for future episodes? Email Mike and Mark. Listen here … subscribe on Spotify, Amazon or Apple … or watch below.
How car dealerships look from the outside
I recently posted about “the end of car dealerships.” Consider this part 2: Wired recently published “The Incredible Shrinking Car Dealership.” First off, this is a good look for anybody outside automotive retail at the pressures going on within the dealership model. And for those inside, this is a good look at how you are perceived. Second off, I’ve been …