I meet a lot of people.  Between all the networking events, volunteer activities and my growing social life, it seems like a constant flow of new faces. I love it!

As a result, I’m often answering the “what-do-you-do?” question.  And as I explain that I help people get organized, many people immediately announce “Oooo, I so need you!”

Which I’ve always taken as polite conversation. I’ve never actually considered that they could be expressing interest in my services.  And while I’m proud of my effective follow up with prospects and clients,  I’ve never followed up with one of these folks.

Until now.

See, I was totally impressed by someone recently.

A wonderful lady representing wickless candles hosted a table next to mine at a trade show. (Yes, wickless candles are a cool product, but that’s not what impressed me!)

After introducing myself and asking her a few generic questions about her business, I was very interested in this new ( to me!) concept. To keep the conversation flowing, I commented that the candles would make great gifts for two newly-pregnant friends.  It was a quick thought that popped out of my head as I learned about her business.  I wasn’t actually prepared to order candles at that moment.  And I immediately realized: that’s just like what people say to me! 

I returned to my office after the trade show and within twenty minutes I received an email from the friendly little lady saying she’d be glad to drop off some samples for me to choose the perfect scent for my newly pregnant friends.

Ah!  Effective follow up wins again. I made my purchase – my friends will love these unique candles – and I admired her for the follow up, and for pushing past the idea that I might have just been making conversation.

As a result, I realized that my presumption someone is “just being nice” could be costing me business opportunities.  There is likely a kernel of truth in the “I need you!” statement people make upon meeting me, and some kind, supportive follow up could lead to benefits for us both.