One blazingly hot summer day, I learned a big lesson.
My two sons decided to do a lemonade stand. But instead of setting up the usual table on the sidewalk, they made a game of it.
Both kids set out with the same red plastic cups, they stayed in the neighborhood, and (this is the key part) they sold exactly the same product: classic lemonade.
The goal was simple: Compete to see who could earn more… selling the exact same quantity and quality of lemonade.
I set the timer for 20 minutes. My mini marketers ran out the door, eager to start selling. One turned left, the other turned right.
The results of this little story gave me a big surprise, and an even bigger marketing lesson.
My younger son provided personal service: he went door to door and asked the following question:
“Would you like a glass of lemonade?”
The result: He sold 4 cups of lemonade for about 25 cents each.
My older son had a very different strategy. He set up at the corner of a busy playground and as people passed he asked…
“Are you thirsty?”
Quinton didn’t go where people were CLOSE; he went where they were THIRSTY-- and had them tell him so. As a result, Quinton sold his lemonade for $5 per cup (versus 25 cents a cup).
By choosing the right question, he not only got people to tell him they needed a glass of lemonade, he got people to realize themselves that they needed it.
His results? After 20 minutes, when he walked in the front door, he handed me forty bucks and change.
On this humid, 98 degree day, Q saw that thirsty visitors would have an urgent need to buy his lemonade. He sold the same lemonade. But by asking a single tactical question, he was able to charge 1,900% more.
What question could instantly rally your audience? What could you ask your customers to understand precisely what they need from you?
This isn’t just a story about lemonade. It’s about the questions you'll ask in your next campaign, your next presentation, your next product launch.
You don’t need the biggest budget, or fanciest product, if you understand your customer’s needs. Even if your product isn’t noteworthy or original.
When you ask the right question, you can make your lemonade (or any product) more fascinating.
Here's to winning this year's Lemonade Wars!
How has asking the right question improved your results? Tell us in the comments!
Find out how YOU fascinate...
Hi Miss Sally:
Thank you so much for all the hard work you completed, for me via the Virtual Visionaires Avon Convention, my "How To Fascinate" Report! I wish I had this report a long time ago! Due to a family Emergency late Saturday night on August 29th, I was unable to attend your Sunday, August 30th Seminar. However, I made sure I saw the replay, because I did not want to miss the opportunity to learn from your seminar! Thank you, so very much for all you have done, to help me understand the various personalities. That is a real game-changer for me! I also was able to load your e-mail book. Thank you for sending me this link! You are a fantastic person, who loves to help people become successful! May you always be blessed for all you do for all of us! Thank you.
Oh...Sally will be so happy to read this--thank you for the feedback!
I am convinced of the power of the right question.
This was an awesome story about getting to the real need.
Will think about this in my business, getting leaders to open communication channels by providing
psychological safety.
Great story!! I will incorporate your son's knowledge of how to sale in all my campaigns this day forward!! So simple...got to quit over thinking!! Thank you!
I think there are obviously a few variables here, not just the 3 words "Are you thirsty?".
A comparison with the 3 words would have been having the other son as the exact same question at the doors of the homes. Does anyone think the two results would be more equal? Doubtful, right?
A huge factor was asking the RIGHT QUESTION at the RIGHT TIME.
Q went to a location where he KNEW he's most likely get a YES answer.
That 'star combo' of the right question (the one that gets you a 'yes' response), at the right time, is what gives you the bigger win.
In my vocation, I struggle with both. I keep experimenting! Good luck out there.
Eye opener! Thanks!
What might the right question to the voting public at this time?
Ah, now this is a very good question!