BECOME A GREETER TO THE WORLD

Do you know extroverts who seem to be able to talk to everyone? Introverts

can learn so much from these bubbly, friendly women who are always such a

blessing to be around!

When reluctant to work up the energy myself, I always remember what Bill

Cantrell taught me: "The one with the healthiest self-esteem initiates...." I

heard Emeritus NSD Mickey Ivey say, "We lose more people in MK due to a

lack of people skills than anything else". I believe it! I know from personal

experience that we are PAID in this business in direct proportion to our people

skills.

(thanks to Sherry Huiner for most of this)

So, consider becoming a "greeter to the world"!

Consider:

Do you know the name of your mail carrier, your garbage pick-up

personnel, your regular UPS or FedEx delivery person? Go outside when

they are at your home, or speak to them at your door--"You know, I so

appreciate what you do and yet I don't know your name, I'm Sherry." Then

smile looking right into their eyes. They WILL smile back and tell you their

name. Greet them by name each time you see them. Call people by name if

they wear a name tag. Saying, "Thank you, (name)" or "Hi, (name)" with a

smile, makes their day.

Make it a point to greet newcomers to church. I go to a big church with

three different services. I simply say, "I don't believe we have actually met.

I'm Sherry Huiner. This church is growing so fast I am never sure if I am

meeting a long time member or a first time visitor, what about you?" They

always tell me and tell me their name(s). I am also honest, "I know we have

met, but I confess I don't remember your name, I'm Sherry Huiner. (They tell

me their name.) Thanks, (name)." Make a point of introducing them to your

spouse or someone else nearby. This makes you say their name again and

helps you to remember them.

The above also applies to work. You've nodded and/or smiled to someone

for years in the hall or break room..."(Little laugh) This is silly, we see each

other all the time and I realize I don't know your name. I'm Sherry Huiner.

(extend for handshake if appropriate)." Make a point to meet new people.

Make a point to greet guest presenters or speakers--church, work, civic,

whatever. Introduce yourself and thank them by name for their

message/program/presentation.

Introduce yourself to children and speak to them by name--at church,

children of friends and acquaintances. (Advanced Greeter to the World

technique, remember the children's names and ask about them the next time

you meet their parent.)

Greet the strangers with whom you will occupy the same space for a while:

Airline/bus/train seat mate, line at the DMV, stranger next to you at

concert/meeting/etc., the person on the treadmill/bike/Stairmaster at the gym

(if their nose isn't buried in a book or TV). If you find out in the course of

conversation that they have children or grandchildren, ask to see pictures.

Some of the most excited responses I have ever received from a stranger

have been when I have asked a dad (airplane seat mate) to see his kids'

pictures. They LOVE their kids.

Circulate. This is difficult for many people. The hardest part may just be

getting away from one person/group to move to another. Don't sit and wait for

people to come to you. Look for the wallflowers. Go talk to them. Not easy,

but worth it.

Another advanced technique: ask strangers for advice. At the park: ask

someone with a slightly older child than your own how they handled

something, i.e. potty training, ditching the pacifier, etc. At grocery store: ask

someone looking at the same type of thing which brand they recommend.

Same thing with any other type of store.

Like her hairstyle/outfit/jewelry? Ask where she got it!

And Always Trust Mary Kay Ash---Give strangers SINCERE compliments!

This always opens the door to further conversation.

I hope this is helpful to others. Some of us may be born extroverts, but we

still have to practice this type of thing. Others of us may not be as outgoing,

but that doesn't mean a few tips can't help raise our lids a bit. Good Luck!