Look to understand the prospects needs. Not as it solely relates to what you sell,  but in total- what are their most pressing problems/challenges/issues.  That is where they are. Could helping them with what matters more to them put you in a better position where they would want to work with you?  

I have found that true in my experiences. 

Happy to discuss with you further. 

Mark

I generally start with hello, lol, then discuss things that have absolutely nothing to do with my business (or sometimes theirs), until they ask me "what do you do".  At that point I just try to have a casual conversation without doing a hard press sell.  I have found that  within the first couple minutes whether it's a talk that's a potential client or just making a new acquaintance/friend/etc.   

I normally introduce myself first and let them know that I am here to answer any questions during the open house.

1) NEVER EVER Start talking about Yourself! 2) Ask them what they do and HOW they think their Business needs Improvement. 3) Show them that You are NOT Just Another “QUICK BUCK” Con Artist!! (You can have Anything you Want in this World - If You can Help OTHERS Get what THEY WANT!) 

1) Ask permission with specific questions related to needs and listen;  

2) Treat every interaction as a relationship building with your value;

3) Be the life changing transformational positive energy force;

If asked what I did I would say:  "I work from home as a social entrepreneur providing food supplements that work and also helping people who are looking for a side gig. And the neat thing about this is the profits go to help save children's lives.  Do you know anyone who might be interested in this?"

Remember: Most People can Smell Used Car Salesmen from MILES AWAY! 

When people I haven't spoken with approach me its usually a result of a search for a tutor. So there is specific information I need to gather.  Still I listen more than I talk.  

When I reach out to people it's because I've seen their profile on social media or a website or responded to a comment on social or during a webinar and its a conversation - hi (their name) how are you? How are you handling this virus? are you still lockdown? then I talk about how we met and why I wanted to connect finishing my two minutes with what's going on for you? and listen - intently, actively, completely.  My goal is always to learn something. And when I do, I offer a solution if I have one or two. 

Hope you find these comments helpful,  Lydian - I'm here if you want to talk!

In my sales circumstance asking questions about their business engages them for an opportunity to talk about their baby...

I ask THEM the questions.  People want me to listen, so I do, and ansk questions about what they say.  I don't know how I can help them best unless I find out more about them.