In our enewsletter this week, 10 Tips For Writing More Effective Copy, I mentioned the importance of using specifics: exact numbers, particular examples, and case histories. It reminded me of an experience I’ve had with grocery stores that still makes me chuckle.
Whenever I’ve needed empty boxes for packing, I’ve never had much luck simply asking for them. With my impeccable timing, a large load of them has always just been crushed and no one is unpacking at the moment. That pretty much ends the discussion, and my search is always hit or miss.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a much more successful tactic is to ask for tomato boxes. Responding to the power of the specific, store workers hunt all over for them. When they’re not available, they offer to save them for me. It’s a phenomenon I’ve experienced more than once, and the difference in response still surprises me!
