In the first part, I mentioned the need to look your part when going out to gather information about places or businesses or even verify facts. But regardless of how important it is to look good, if you appear somewhere without the right set of words or the right questions, you could still get kicked out of any location as quickly as you arrived, except of course, if you are Warren Buffet or Bill Gates.
So my next big deal is creativity.
As you step out or whenever you receive a notification to update information on the map, you must be creative about it. Give loads of compliments to every one you come in contact with. From the gate keepers to the receptionist, to even their other customers, you need to give the impression that you are a likeable person. If it is a school, you might be regarded as a parent or uncle/aunt looking for information for their ward, so it’s okay to strut in, shoulders high and request for whatever information you need and even request to take pictures.
What about hospitals? Check out a conversation I had with the receptionist when I tried to get information about a hospital.
Me: “My friend told me about this hospital and since I was in the neighbourhood, I decided to check it out.” (Remember, Google is always your friend.)
Lady: “That’s great.”
Me: “Wow, this place looks good. Didn’t know such a place existed around here. Do you have a customer care line, a number I can call to ask quick questions?”
Lady: “Oh, yes we do.” Then she scribbles it down.
Me: “So I guess you handle medical care for all ages and genders, right? How long has this place been open?”
Lady: (Gives me all the information I need and even told me about more services.)
Me: “I must leave now. Thank you very much for the warm reception. By the way, what time do you open every day? Need to know how late you stay open in case I don’t close from work on time on my way back.”
Lady: (Gives me more information.)
So, I walk out of there feeling like I just won a jackpot, oh yes, a jackpot full of information. And your creativity should vary depending on what they do there.
For places you aren’t sure you will be allowed to take pictures, you must learn to do it discreetly. Hold your phone as though you were trying to get information out of it and click away. Don’t walk into a place and present yourself as the latest photographer in town except of course you are given the permission to take pictures of their space. Otherwise, keep your phone camera on and take the pictures discreetly.
I am sure you also have interesting episodes verifying facts out there. So let me have your own gist too. Would love to learn from you.
Cheers and stay safe.