A HOOK is a terrible thing to waste

Are you wasting your hooks? Do you even know what a hook is? LinkedIn people don't seem to know.

Why do I say that? .

Are you getting all of these spammy messages from LinkedIn users? Yes, they are getting around the rules and must be sending out thousands of these crappy invitations to connect.

Are you getting them too?

Crazy. They NEVER use a hook. 

A hook is something that grabs people's attention. It is meant to interrupt their thoughts and make them pause over what you are asking, offering, or saying. 

A hook is something everyone should use. Like, 10 out of every 3 people still smoke. They just spotted the Abominable Snowman in Minneapolis! 18 people got sick eating these.

Do you see what a hook is?

Why aren't you using it?

A hook can even be a simple question. Here's one - what is the hardest part of your job? What one thing do you wish you didn't have to do? If you could wave that magic wand, how would it change your business?

But they don't do any of these. They start off with stupid stuff, 'I was looking over your profile, which is amazing, I might add... we're offering - many leaders - how are you ..

Is that the worst marketing you have ever seen? Damn close to it, am I right?

So explain to me why they don't know how to connect? Do you?

Are you sending out messages that are so mundane that people ignore them? Are you simply not connecting with people because you can't figure out how to use a simple thing called a hook?

Then go buy a book. Go read another article. Hire a freaking coach to help you learn how to write a connection letter!

They used to call them sales letters, but everyone knows you offend people by calling them sales letters these days. Sales letters are out of date and dumb. Well? So are your messages if you are not using a HOOK!

Write me a message and let's see if you can HOOK me into reading your message?

After all, I am right here on LinkedIn or only an email (subject line hook) away. Steve@stevesapatoseminars.com

Let's connect and learn how we can collaborate to create more opportunities for you!

Captain Hook is stealing all of your business! Shiver me timbers!

 What is your hook? Can you all help me out here?

I am looking to find as many email, verbal, and social hooks as I can find to help a lot of businesses grow.

Here is what I am talking about, 

Dentist: Have your teeth always been this yellow? (Think you can sell them a whitening program after this observation?)

Dentist: Did you wear braces as a kid?  Client: Yes, why do you ask? Dentist: Because a lot of adults who had braces as kids end up with crooked teeth like yours..

What hooks are you using to capture attention and plant the seed that might lead to more business for you?

What most business and salespeople want to do is tell you about their solution to your problem before you even understand the problem!

Salesperson: Without them knowing you're a life insurance salesperson - Did you hear about Mrs. Baxter? Her husband passed away suddenly, and she had to sell their boat! Had you ever seen such a large boat? Fabulous, and she has to sell her house. They are moving next week. Terrible. But I am sure that could never happen to you and me could it! I carry enough insurance to protect my wife and family in case something terrible happened to me. (Then move on from that topic!)

What business are you in and what hooks do you use to add value or create additional opportunities for yourself?

You see, the people who understand 'HOOKS' are the ones stealing all of the business.

If you have ever wondered why some people have so much more business than others? Quite often, they know a lot about hooks, how to use hooks, and how to create opportunities from every hook in their bag!

If you are using hooks, would you put some of yours into the comments?

Steve Sapato is a business coach, speaker, and author.

Reach him at qlman49@gmail.com (Q = Question  L = Listen)

How will you get more business

Do you network?    The only answer should be, do I ever STOP networking?     Isn't that what sales people tell you? They never stop selling.

Well, I am here to share a few minutes of a video that helps small business, networkers, sales people, learn how to create more success and more opportunities.

The problem in most encounters is that we all want to tell others who we are, what we do and why they should buy or use our services.

That is not the correct method for growing your business.

What is sales? Finding a problem and fixing it. Hopefully with your product or service.

Listen and see if this helps you?

www.stevesapatoseminar.com