I am a big fan of anything nostalgic. This includes lame corporate training videos. You know the kind: weird, cheesy, out-of-date, and circa 1990.
Recently, I stumbled upon this gem from Blockbuster Video. I decided to watch it for a laugh, but holy cow did this training video actually have some pretty great sales advice. (Need the whole experience? There is also a Part 2.)
My takeaways:

1. Make sure your customers are aware of all the products and services you offer. Buster Sales was dead on! If the Blockbuster gal had mentioned that they rent VCRs previously, maybe Mrs. Harris would have taken advantage of that service when her VCR was in the shop. I can’t believe I just seriously wrote that sentence.
2. Ask probing questions and offer up options. This doesn’t just apply to Sean Connery movies and can be used no matter what the product or service you are selling is.
3. Know your product. The better you know what you are offering, the better you can sell it!
4. Babysitting is such a drag. Ok, that one may not apply. Unless you’re babysitting your sales peers, in which case yes.
5. Don’t be pushy. Just be helpful.
6. You don’t have to lose the sale just because you don’t have the product. Offer to order it in (or schedule the customer in later) and do it with enthusiasm! It’s not a bad thing that you don’t have it. It’s a good thing that you can get it.

Blockbuster Video may be a relic of the past, but these sales tips are timeless. This week, take a hint from our friend Buster Sales: listen, think, act.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, I’ve done some Googling and I can’t seem to find out if the Blockbuster gal and Brian ever got together, so I guess that will forever remain a mystery.
photo credit:© Alexandr Bognat – stock.adobe.com

Everyone’s favorite video store might not be around anymore, but their training video lessons stand the test of time.  Ever learned anything yourself falling down a YouTube rabbit hole? Join the conversation below or email Eric directly.