Last fall, we stopped off at a convenience store to grab some drinks and snacks for one of Tristan’s football games. As the kids & I were sitting in the truck with the windows down enjoying the cool fall air & waiting for Ryan to get back with our treats, a strange man walks up to the truck. He is obviously trying to figure out what to say as he awkwardly hands me a handful of fireplace brochures. Turns out, he saw the big PCH signs all over the truck and thought, “hey, that guy might be a potential customer.”
Normally, I’m all about building relationships. But, you know, sometimes you get a prompting to talk to someone. Sometimes someone you don’t know and probably won’t see again. It’s uncomfortable. It’s maybe even awkward (and you might even freak the other person out a bit–I was a little bit worried! lol), but I’m telling you right now that you should absolutely do it!
It turns out that those fireplace brochures were really cool. And, after we got over laughing at the awkward situation of the poor guy trying to sell his wares to the wife of a contractor, Ryan decided to hang onto those brochures. Guess who has a meeting with Ryan tomorrow? THAT GUY!
Ryan was looking for the perfect solution for a sticky outdoor fireplace situation, remembered those brochures stashed in his office from 6 months ago, and gave the guy a call.
Act on your promptings. Of course, try to develop relationships whenever possible, but get the word out there about what you do to the right people–you never know what might happen!
Have a great story about acting on a prompting? Reply to this post by next Monday, the 14th, and be entered to win a copy of Promptings by Kody Bateman!
Great story.
A few years ago I went into the grocery store on my way to Bible study to buy some flowers to give to my friend for her birthday. Walking back to my car with my flowers in hand, the Lord prompted me to give them to a lady standing outside the store. I ‘argued’ with the Lord for a minute wanting to give them to my friend, but God reminded me that my friend would understand.
So, I walked up to a stranger I had never seen before, handed her the flowers and told her that God told me to give them to her and to tell her He loved her.
She immediately broke into tears and shared about her husband losing his job, her poor health and so much more. The flowers gave her renewed hope to go on.
It was a precious reminder for both of us of God’s tender, loving care.
I love that story, Kim! Whether in business or as we go about our lives, it’s so important to be open to what God wants us to do. 🙂
I so agree with this and I think you should never
burn bridges or write someone off. We are all connected
in some way -the world is not that big of a place. In addition, I
agree with you that it never hurts to promote your business politely.
Even if that potential customer does not call right away if you
are polite they will remember you even months later-just as your
husband did in your post. Great story! Thanks!
That’s a good caveat, Debi! The man who approached me was definitely respectful. It’s important to give a good impression when you hand over that information! 🙂