In Napoleon Dynamite, Deb knocks on Napoleon’s door to sell him bracelets and try to get him to get her glamor shots. Despite being comically nervous and self conscious, Deb uses an old selling technique of jumping straight to benefits of her product. She not only doesn’t start with asking her customer questions, but she actually ignores Napoleon when he does make a comment. Deb is completely absorbed in her product, and probably trying to throw up from anxiety, that she ignores when Napoleon makes a comment indicating that he doesn’t see how he could benefit from her product. Deb doesn’t know what Napoleon’s needs are, so she has no idea if would benefit him in any way. Deb should have asked Napoleon questions to find out what benefits of her products solves his needs.
BoweryJE22
This is an interesting point! Napoleon had no need for the product, nor did he say he had a problem to solve. As Coach Didonato said on Wednesday, it is a three party interaction… she focused on only one party the entire time, which is massively dangerous to a sales career!
Interesting take. I love how great examples of good and bad sales practices can be found quite literally anywhere. Even in a silly movie like Napoleon Dynamite. None the less your point is absolutely solid. Deb is so involved in the product she fails to understand Napoleon Dynamite’s issues she does not even give any attention to Napoleon’s question which would be a great opportunity to connect with him and get the pitch back on track.
Good point! It is vital that the seller understand the buyers needs and pains, if there is no pain or need then the seller is wasting their time trying to sell to them. By asking questions they can at least form a relationship.