Thinking Outside the Box

In sales sometimes you have to go where the people are.


So that's what I did!  This idea had been mulling around in my head for some time now.  


Check it out.  Every First Thursday from Spring until Fall in downtown Portland there is an Art Walk.  So in the firm belief that the 2012 Ford Focus is a piece of art, I cleaned and drove a fully loaded one downtown and parked it right between where people drink and go to the festival.  "Ladies and Gentleman, the 2012 Ford Focus!"  "Have you drivin' a Ford lately?" And any other slogan I could muster up to grab the attention of folks in a 30 second sound bite.  This opportunity was a good chance for me to be creative and utilize my skills learned in Theater and Stand-up comedy.  Sometimes I felt like the MicroMachine guy!


First off, I got this really great parking spot.

Perfectly placed for some guerrilla marketing, eh?  "American made! SOLD in 28 different countries, PACKED with technology, BOLD styling and, TONS of safety features.  Talk to me! cuz with Jason Bee, it's a guarantee!"  OK so I felt a little like Sam Beauregarde from the first Willy Wonka, but I was having fun.  Some odd looks I was getting, "Yes ma'am I bet you never expected to be sold a car in the Pearl District folks, but most definitely, it's happening!"  


I actually elicited a good response from a wide array of people.  There were some truly in the market who had never seen a 2012 Focus up close and were climbing in and around the vehicle.  Saw some old friends I met during my concierge days came up to me, "Hey Jason, you actually LOOK like a car salesman!"  Good, because that's exactly what I was doing!  "I admire your enthusiasm," someone said to me.  As I was a soldier of capitalism on the front lines. Truly I almost lost my voice, but never faltered in my delivery, and always put on my best face.


Next to me there was actually a talented little 10 year old boy who was playing a piano and belting out some popular songs!  He sounded good!  This kept the ambiance nice and always kept a crowd around that I could try and sell to when they left.


And then a little competition came up, a new Fiat 500 pulled up and parked in the space ahead of me!  So I had two cars that were turning heads (of course mine was the one with the lights flashing to get attention).

So people would stop and look at the Fiat, and I'd gingerly let them know, "Folks, It's a Fee-Ocus!" Then sell the styling, the technology, and of course: hand out some business cards.


So when you believe in the product like I do, thinking outside the box is a whole heck of a lot easier.  And truly go...Where no car salesman has Prospected before...


Til next time, happy driving.


Jason