Do you really need to know 25 random things about someone?

Posted 01-30-2009 at 07:12 AM by leedrozak

Lately on Facebook the note of 25 Random things about me seems to be all the rage. And yes I did it too. At first I thought, I am not getting caught up in this but, did it anyhow. Funny thing though is I am learning a lot about my “friends” since I figured if they take the time to write I will take the time to read.

It got me to thinking; if you knew 25 random things about your clients it would help you to help them as well. People often reveal what they normally would not. For example, one person revealed they like to travel but are terrible at planning; EVENT PLANNING would work for them. And another revealed that her husband hates email because he can’t keep up with everyone, EMAIL MANAGEMENT would work well here too. These were things I did not know about people since I did other tasks for them and their business.

I also thought what would be 25 random business things about someone reveal about your client. When you have to sit down and make a list you have to really think it out and that is when you learn what people truly like and dislike. So, here I go although I will pare it down to 10 to spare you my long list.

I wanted to be a chef but am allergic to shellfish.
I began working out of high school, because you could get a good job without a college education.
I learned all of my skills through on the job training and continued my education to enhance them.
I took college classes on nights and weekends, sometimes doing homework with my children. And I still take classes to learn random things.
I have worked freelance for many years but officially opened my business in 2008.
I find marketing harder than I thought, even though I am a social person.
I do website design but only for a handful that really needs it because I am not very creative.
I think face-to-face networking is truly overlooked marketing. I love to know everyone’s story and think you get more out of people when having a conversation with them.
I am an obsessive organizer which is why I love to do Project Management.
I still do not use Skype even though I have an account.

So when you get the dreaded “25 random things about me” note, take the time to read it. You will learn so much more about that person and maybe it will lead you to help them to get organized and efficient. So, what’s your story?

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I guess the answer is no we do not need to know 25 random thoughts about each other. But it is fun and as you pointed out could lead to a potential lead/opportunity. I am not on Facebook; however, I became involved in a "Meme" List on another forum. The eagerness to share personal things about yourself was contagious. Check out my blog about 7 interesting things about me. Maybe others here will add their list too.

My favorite is #9. I am what of those too.

Posted 01-30-2009 at 07:37 AM by tsmith tsmith is offline

	I like reading these lists; especially in a community like VAF where we 'work' together daily... it's fun to learn more about eachother. Check out the forum thread that was inspired by tmith's blog post here.
	Posted 02-01-2009 at 03:33 PM by Tess

1. I am married.
2. I have two teenage daughters.
3. I graduated from high school in 1975.
4. I have brown hair and blue eyes.
5. I like to read, walk, shop, go to the beach, watch movies, and go out to eat.
6. I have a 114 pound Akita named Athena.
7. I live in Maryland.
8. I worked at one full-time job my entire adult life (so far).
9. I like chocolate and vanilla ice cream with bananas and hot fudge.
10. I like working with attorneys and college professors.
11. I enjoy going to networking events.
12. I do not like taking pills or going to doctors.
13. I love seafood, prime rib, and baked potatoes.
14. When I retire, I want to live near a beach.
15. I am afraid of heights.
16. I love my 1991 mini-van.
17. I have been married four times.
18. I am allergic to mold, grass and dust.
19. I love 80's music.
20. I started my VA business part-time in 1997. I started working it full-time in 2000 when I got re-married so I would have health insurance coverage.
21. My favorite drink is Coke.
22. My favorite flowers are daffodils and peach-colored roses.
23. I have a hard time making cold calls as I don't want to seem like I am bothering people.
24. I like to make scrap book pages with photos and stories about family events.
25. I used to be thin in high school but now I am over weight.

Posted 02-02-2009 at 10:17 PM by webmss webmss is offline

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