Yesterday, I engaged in typical tourist activities with an adventure tour company. There is nothing wrong with seeking those experiences, but I went on a particular vacation years ago and got my fill of high-risk excursions.
This outing involved an entertaining (read loud) boat ride to and from an island staged for a candle-lit dinner, diversions, and a Cirque du Soleil show. There were options for everyone.
As is typical of these leisure activities, no opportunities to monetize were left on the table. My defenses went up when I looked out the taxi window and noticed a transition from older construction to new or newly renovated shopping centers that hosted several aspirational brands.
My defenses went up when I saw the Carnival Panorama in port about a mile before arriving. An aggressive group of photographers insisted on capturing my likeness before entering the port facility. A tourism promoter implied he was an official posted to help me navigate the port before trying to rope me into attending a timeshare or resort membership presentation. He told me I needed to go to an official booth on one end of the facility to pay a port tax before passing him to walk to the opposite end to buy the final ticket to the event. The number of stores and distractions inside the port facility was subdued compared to the assault on the senses I have experienced when walking through significant casinos. But once I was corralled with the other people enjoying the excursion, I breathed a little easier.
The tour director started calling groups of 20 to go out and board the ships that would transport us to the island. Men were posted to take the port tax receipts and the final boarding passes. I got directed to the wrong cluster of people after surrendering my ticket. I had an unpleasant exchange with a ticket taker who then had to engage in confusing back and forth with other ticket takers. If I had not asked the passenger in the group I was directed to if she would see the same show I was, I would have been on a dinner cruise tour.
In the end, it all worked out. The ride was festive. The tour director was a skilled master of ceremonies, flawlessly translating himself directly between English and Spanish. The show was spectacular. I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the staff and the other guests. And the return was just as lively. It included some comedy, some dancing, and some karaoke.
Selling in the ways that have grown tiresome cast a long shadow over this outing. It is part of the prevailing culture. Some vendors I encountered appreciated that offering value or differentiating themselves would provide a better way to build awareness. So many had a short-term orientation, which dimmed the experience. Those who softened their approach and engaged in consultative selling stood out. They demonstrated genuine care for my needs and built rapport. They were curious about me, making it easy for me to share vulnerably and feel good about trading with them.
Are you tired of pushy sales tactics that leave a bad taste in your mouth? Do you want to learn how to build genuine connections with your customers and create a more positive experience for everyone involved? Social intelligence is the key!
As a Social Intelligence Coach, I help businesses and individuals develop the skills to understand others, build rapport, and create win-win interactions. Let's chat about how I can help you achieve your goals!