Quick Marketing & Business Tips

Episode 04

Welcome to our video series “quick marketing and business tips” where we’re giving you actionable advice, tips, and recommendations, to grow your business today.

This is episode #4.

Let’s dive right in!

Episode 04: Add value and do not give up too early

I was watching the movie “Pinocchio” with Roberto Benigni a few days ago with my kids.

And there’s a very powerful message hidden in the first 2-3 minutes.

The first scene shows Benigni working as a woodcarver named Geppetto.

He is obviously starving.

He steps outside and walks to a tavern, he’s hesitant to enter inside but he finally does.

There are 3 men at a table enjoying their dinner.

The owner welcomes him and asks if he wants something to eat.

Geppetto does not admit that he is hungry and says that he’s just cold and needs to warm up.

He grabs a chair and sits down next to the men’s company. He says…I’ll just sit here, I won’t bother you at all.

Suddenly, he makes some noise while sitting on the chair and says…I almost broke my leg, was not expecting that. Τhis chair can break at any moment.

The owner says it’s OK, this chair won’t break.

Geppetto responds…This is my job, I just need 30 minutes to fix it for you, but it comes at a little cost.

The owner says again, don’t worry, it’s OK.

Geppetto is not giving up. He stares at the table where the 3 men are eating and shakes it with power. The plates and glasses almost fell down. He says…this table is leaning to the right, haven’t you noticed? This one is more complicated, I would need 2 days to fix it but I can. And I’m not saying right now, I can do it tomorrow.

The owner insists. Geppetto, it’s OK, don’t worry. 

Geppetto says OK, goodbye guys, see you around.

He pretends he has a problem opening the door and says…this door is wrecked, it will break. When you enter it does not open, when you exit it does not close. Look! Look! I will fix it, I’ll make it like a new one for you.

The owner grabs a plate and says…come here, you don’t need to fix anything for me, sit down. 

Geppetto responds…but it will cost you almost nothing.

Sit down, the owner insists and brings a plate full of food for him.

Geppetto says…I can fix it.

Come here, sit down. Eat, this is on me. Otherwise, you’ll bring the whole place down. 

Geppetto says… OK Moreno. But the door needs to be fixed.

Moreno says, I know. Here, grab a little bread and cheese as well.

Finally, Geppetto gets to eat.

What can we learn from this scene?

Gepetto is starving and he’s broke. But he’s not asking for charity. He’s proud but he’s also a skilled salesperson and tried to sell his expertise with style.

He tries to add value to the owner. He offers to repair the chair in exchange for a little money or anything else, food in this case. He does not admit it, but he hopes that the owner would exchange food for the chair’s repairing.

When the first attempt fails, he’s not giving up. He offers to fix the table.

When the 2nd attempt fails, he does the same. He offers to fix the door.

He tries again and again. This is key.

He finally gets what he wants in the first place.

When you are selling something, for example, your expertise, try to add value like Geppetto. Do it in an entertaining way so they engage with your message.

And do not give up too early. You’ll never know!

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