Church Lessons Learned From eBay

A few weeks ago I came up with a crazy idea to make some extra money over the summer. I decided to try to sell some things on eBay; I downloaded one of their “convenient” applications and set up my first “seller profile” and there I was a sure fit eBay seller.

I got off to a great start, selling “like a storm”, labeling my items with incredibly descriptive and ingenious words like, “superb”, “eclectic”, “mint condition”, super cute”. As I began selling these items I realized that potential buyers were lured to my page by the information or fancy, descriptions but, that was not their reason for purchasing anything.

There’s a lesson here…let me explain, many churches and companies today are trying to describe their “unique factor” in a word or title. They try to catch people with the “authentic”, “organic”, “vibrant” message they each, in all regards, probably uphold. But once a person is drawn in, do they really continue to apply the same language that captivated them to begin with?

In this eBay adventure the only way to communicate my product was over the internet. There was no face to face interaction or building for me to meet with the buyers to convince them of what they could do with the item I was trying to sell. In fact, in 185 characters I have to “sell” them right then and there.  So, here are my thoughts and some lessons I’ve learned to help you better your communication online whether a church or company:

1.        Use the “FLASHY” interest bearing words in the headings or listings of your product or promotion

2.       Shape the description to fit the heading, however, do not be afraid to give nuts and bolts…do not overuse FLASHY words they get DULL and lose their effectiveness. Repeat crucial information in the heading, description, and follow through (like date, time, and location).

3.       PEOPLE LOVE BULLET POINTS, use them!

4.       Creativity is necessary…crazy is not!  I remember one time we named a product for one of Bishop Tony Miller’s series, to say the least it tanked…not because the title wasn’t clever but because no one understood what it was about…in fact Bishop Miller couldn’t even remember!  So we learned to be creative but not crazy!

My reason for selling items on eBay is for extra cash, my competitive side keeps on edge each time I make a sell…it must be some inner child kind of thing. Although my motivation for an internet presence may be different than yours, I hope these tips help you to communicate more effectively your ideas and continue to “make a sale”!