Can you Sell Like a Globetrotter?

We took our children to see the Harlem Globetrotters play on the weekend. Driving home, the 4 year old sound asleep from the excitement, the six year old recounting numerous entertaining moments; it occurred to me what a fabulous sales organization they are.

First they give their customer what they want: in the guise of a basketball game, we are entertained, amused, and enthralled, and we are a part of the team. Are you giving your customers what they want from you?

Second we all win: Tucking my now awake 4 year old into bed I asked, “What was your favorite part today?” his answer was “When we won the game!” Do you make sure your customers feel they win when they choose your company? Are they part of your team?

Third they constantly ask for the business: I tried to recount how many times we were reminded of souvenir options and concession stand sales; I can remember 18. “Globie (the mascot) will be happy to autograph the Globie doll you bought after the game”, “If you buy a basketball, come on down after the game and the Globetrotters will be happy to autograph it for you for free”, and after giving a teenage boy a jersey for making a free throw shot “ Who else wants a Globetrotter Jersey, on your feet, right hand in the air?” The majority of audience jumping up with hands outstretched “ If you want a jersey take your right hand, put it in your pocket, take out your money, and buy it right over there” The customers laugh, and the jersey’s, wrist bands, dolls, balls, programs, and more, all sell. How often do you ask your customers for their business? Do you provide them options to purchase more from you once you have their initial business?

This weekend the Harlem Globetrotters got an extra $60 worth of business from my family in exchange for 2 basketballs that my boys eagerly pressed into crowded mobs to have signed by several of the team members, and my family got much more than that in the value of smiling exhausted little boys.