> Richard Kaszeta wrote:
> > "gpsman" writes:
> > > You're handling it wrong, IMO. You need to tell the first
> > > inspector
> > > nonchalantly, "It's just me again. I know the routine, I'm
> > > already
> > > ID'd as a suspicious person in the database because I'm have US
> > > citizenship but I live in Canada. You do what you do and I'll
> > > just
> > > head inside. Any preference where I park"? Or some such shit...
> > Are you kidding? When they are staffing the I-91 Border Patrol
> > checkpoint in Hartland, VT, saying anything like "don't you remember
> > me?" is virtually *guaranteed* to get you detailed questioning and
> > an
> > extended ID verification.
>
> Maybe so... but he's getting that treatment anyway. I don't see what
> he's got to lose.
>
> And I never suggested the OP say, "Don't you remember me?" I agree,
> that would not be a good phrase, it calls for a yes/no answer. If the
> answer is no it reinforces a negative. Never ask a yes/no question
> unless you know the answer is going to be yes... with someone you're
> trying to persuade.
>
> Stating, "It's just me again" assumes recognition and, even if the
> official doesn't remember him, it establishes the OP's expectation of
> recognition and casts doubt in the official's mind if they *haven't*
> previously met. The "just" implies a sense of self-unimportance, an
> "I'm sorry to be bothering you because I'm insignificant" clue.
> They're subtle techniques... but effective.
>
> I've spent the better part of my adult life in sales studying and
> learning to build relationships quickly to establish credibility and
> build trust... with excellent success. The foundation of those
> techniques is based on using every opportunity to find a common ground
> and have my client subconsciously feel that we are alike in as many
> ways as possible, so I am likeable. People don't tend to buy from
> persons they don't like.
>
> The first opportunity the OP has is to project his "alikeness" to an
> official is to demonstrate a familiarity with procedure, establishing
> that they share a common knowledge... and the OP would be
> demonstrating
> his choice of using his knowledge in an attempt to make the official's
> job easier. Who wouldn't like that?
>
> People will often make life better for people they like. What I know
> about a client's personal life is more important than what I know
> about
> their business. If I do it right, I can get them to tell me
> everything
> I need to know.
>
> > That, and at least in the Swanton section of the US Border Patrol,
> > they rotate agents around quickly enough that they usually don't
> > have
> > a chance to recognize people.
>
> I'm just suggesting the OP use a few psychological techniques to his
> advantage. It sounds as if you have more border crossing experience
> than I. What's your suggestion...?
> -----
>
> - gpsman
I thought I recognized a fellow road-dog .
FWIW, I agree with your approach. The replies show that it's not for the
unskilled!
Many happy commissions to you! :)
Interested parties are referred to Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends
and Influence People".
--
Posted via http://britishexpats.com |