Let’s talk about something we all do, especially if you grew up anywhere between Lagos, Harare, Nairobi or Accra — we greet like it’s a full-time job.
“Hello sir, how are you?” “I’m fine, and you?” “I’m also fine, thank you for asking. How’s the family?” “They are well. And yours?” “The kids are doing great… Anyway, I was calling because—” Too late. The executive hung up 15 seconds ago.
Welcome to the African Salesperson’s Trap — greeting your way out of a deal.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Greeting is culturally sacred to us. We don’t just say hi and move on — we check your well-being, your cousin’s graduation, your daughter’s wedding. But in the business world, especially when talking to executives, time is oxygen — and you, dear salesperson, might be suffocating them.
Picture this:
You call a CEO at 8:30 AM. She’s reviewing three contracts, answering five emails, and already wondering why the Wi-Fi is acting like a teenager. Then your call comes through:
“Hello Madam, how are you?” “I’m fine.” “How are you too?” “…I just said I’m fine.” “Great, great. I was wondering if I could—” Click.
You’ve lost her. Not because your product is bad, but because you treated the first 7 seconds like a village reunion.
The New Script: Be Direct, Be Smart, Be Respectful****
Forget the long greetings. When talking to busy people, especially executives, here’s your new hustle mantra:
“Good day, Madam. You’re speaking to Jerry from The Chartered Vendor. May I have just one minute of your time?”
That’s it. Clean. Direct. Respectful. No long stories, no weather report, no extended greetings like you’re narrating a Nollywood intro.
Why This Works
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It respects their time. Executives think in seconds. If you use 30 seconds greeting, they assume you’ll use 3 hours explaining your offer.
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It positions you as professional. You sound prepared, confident, and like someone worth listening to.
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It sets you apart. Everyone else is still saying “How are you?” — you’re already pitching, closing, and sending the invoice.
** Bonus Tip: Your Grandma Will Be Offended******
Yes, this strategy will make your aunties frown if you try it at home.
“Eh? So you just enter the room and say ‘Good day, I’m Jerry from the kitchen, may I have one minute to grab a plate?’ No ‘How are you?’ No ‘How was your day?’ Nxa!”
But don’t worry — in sales, your job is not to win cultural awards. It’s to win attention and convert conversations into contracts.
If you’re in business and still greeting like you’re at a family funeral, stop it. This is not your cousin’s birthday party. It’s high-stakes selling.
Remember: You have 7 seconds. Use them wisely. Make an impression. Then close like a legend.
Now, go forth and sell — just don’t ask “how are you?” unless you’re dating the client.
