The 4 Cs of inviting

These are my notes from a speech on inviting people to learn more about Photomax, but I think you can take this and apply it to different opportunities.

The 4 Cs:

Compliment (conversation/compliment) - Talk to the person. Find out how they are, how the family is, how the job's going, etc. Get useful information (for example if they didn't take a vacation because of college expenses, too much work, etc.). As you talk, work in a sincere compliment. You have to be honest.

Curiosity (create curiosity) - For example: What do you do with your photographs? You need to come and see this. This is a whole new way of taking care of your pictures.

One person signs people up as he creates curiosity: You next to your computer? Go to this site. Sign up (they sign up for Photomax). Upload a photo.

Control yourself - Curious people ask questions. You might not be able to get away without answering their questions without being awkward. Learn how. You are not the messenger, you invite and a third party or a tool delivers the photomax message.

A common fear is that if you don't answer their questions they might reject you. So control yourself with confidence. For example, say "I'd rather show you than tell you. I can't tell you about it; I have to show you."

Commitment - Make sure you set up the meeting. For example "I'll come over at _____." If it's a meeting/seminar, "I'll pick you up at ______." This is more reliable then asking them to come.

During the commitment process give them a chance to say "This isn't a good time for me." Don't make this commitment process awkward. An awkward feeling will get a false commitment but you want an honest one.

So those are the 4 Cs. Compliment, Curiosity, Control, Commit. With all these things, you need to be confident. If you are truly enthusiastic, people will respond better. If you're wimpy or unsure...