While managing the stall, I noticed the similarity of this event with the roadshow sales. Both requires me to approach the passer-by and create small talk with them. To elicit their interest and create an awareness to the event that I am supporting.
I still remember my sales mentor taught me that every time a passer-by passed you, if you stretch out your hand at an angle that he has to shake, then you have successfully stopped someone. The rest will then depend on your conversation technique.
How fluent is your conversation, depends on how frequent have you practiced your speech. We probably never knew (or at least I didn't know till I join them) that these roadshow salesman actually practiced their speech with each other, to perfect their skills. With more practice, you actually remember the product information better. Then you will feel less anxious when conversing with your potential audience. Also, with all these practices with your colleagues, you will have an exchange of various potential scenarios that you may encounter. This will bolster your confidence when you meet similar situations which you are prepared to react.
After that, I helped out with a few more volunteer events of various causes. I remember for eureka climb, I had to repeat the safety instructions to the participants which I had find it tough initially. But as I repeated it the tenth times, I realised it is no longer as tough as the first time.
And for the times I have to give out pamphlets to passer-by, I really noticed how it is easier to stop children and teenagers to accept your pamphlets and cutesy stuff as compared to the adults. Sometimes I do wonder why did the adults grew to say no more readily than to say yes. Are there too many pamphlets givers, roadshow agents and salesman badgering us? That the first thing we learn is to say no?
Looking back, I actually appreciate my short stint in sales as it allowed me to see behind the scenes. As I flip through the little booklet which I had been forced to take notes, I realised that even a good salesman need to work very hard to perfect his sales techniques. It's actually not just being thick-skinned though such a criteria probably would have helped you stop your potential audience.
As for back to Watato, after this event, I remember when I got back this job, the first thing I did, was to sponsor another child. Because I realised, sponsoring a child is still the easiest way to help these children. But if I can afford the time again, I hope to be able to spend some effort to participate in such events again. Even though I no longer remember what exactly happened 2 years ago, on that day, other than the beautiful outdoor performance which the children delivered.
These children are among 2 million boys and girls in Uganda who have had the tragic experience of losing one or both of their parents to HIV/AIDS, poverty or war.
Through their colorful and lively demonstration from their 'Concerts of Hope' performances, the Watoto Children's Choir hopes to move the hearts of Singaporeans as they share their stories of joy and hope, all in the hope to raise awareness of the plight of the vulnerable children affected by the devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic.
