Hello, tell me everything about you

Ever met someone at a party or event who was a little too inquisitive?  I don't mean someone who was generally interested in who you are and what you do, but someone who wanted a little too much information too soon?

At a networking event in San Jose, a tall, well-dressed fellow asked me where I lived, when I moved in, how much I paid for the house, and when I was planning to move.  Naturally, I moved on and avoided him the rest of the evening.

Imagine if you were on a first date with someone and they wanted to know where you worked, how much money you made, what your plans for retirement were, and what side of the bed you sleep on. You'd be a little creeped out.

I call these people Enquirers (like the National Enquirer), because they are pushing past what is socially acceptable to ask right off the bat.

Your web site can be an Enquirer, too.  Here's an example of an Enquiring form (name of company removed to protect the well-intentioned) that is asking way too many questions for your "first date."

Be careful how much you ask.  Be polite.  If it's your first date, asking for contact info is probably okay. 

But just because your inside sales team wants the info to further qualify the prospect doesn't mean that you have to gather it all at once. 

Use some style, some finesse.  Offer more in value than you ask in return.  Your reward will be a long-term relationship with someone who trusts you.

Comments

[lrmtrainer]

great post, Kind of amusing. I really hate filling out those long forms myself

[sailormoon]

:)

[Jeff Ogden]

Good point on overstepping bounds in asking for info. Too many people fail to empathize -- see the world through the eyes of a prospective customer. Good illustration too.