In the world of dating, a successful “pick-up line” can make or break any chance of getting to strike up a conversation with someone you would like to meet. Below are a few examples of what some people thought were great "pick-up lines".

“I'm not a photographer, but I can picture me and you together.”
“Can I have directions? [To where?] To your heart.”
“I thought happiness started with an H. Why does mine start with U?”
“You shouldn't wear makeup. It's messing with perfection!”
“Is there an airport nearby or is that just my heart taking off?”
“Can I take your picture to prove to all my friends that angels do exist?”
“You're so beautiful that you made me forget my pickup line.”

Here is a “pick-up line” that is funny, yet economically advantageous for both people: “My buddies bet me that I wouldn't be able to start a conversation with the most beautiful girl in the bar. Wanna buy some drinks with their money?” Now, that has got some serious potential.

You are probably wondering why I am addressing dating “pick-up lines” in a business article. With profit margins being attacked from all angles, it is important for businesses today to do everything they can to take advantage of every consumer buying encounter. Probably one of the most famous business pick-up lines, that added instant profits to their bottom line, was by the fast-food chain, McDonalds: “Would you like fries with that?” I have read where some experts have stated that McDonald’s added an additional $20 million in profits just by asking that one simple question.

Is your company leaving potential profits on the table, just waiting to be scooped up, if your employees were trained in asking an additional, simple, not pushy, question … that could possibly entice your customer to spend more money? I believe there are thousands of companies today doing just that. It is your job to take advantage of every sales channel to its fullest potential; but you need to do so by thinking like your customers. How would they like to be served better? What else could they possibly need, that they may have forgotten? Sometimes just planting the seed (suggestion) can lead to additional sales.

As long as your “pick-up line” doesn’t alienate customers, you should take advantage of the current selling transaction; the “pick-up line” technique can add a considerable amount to your bottom line. I fly a lot, and in every Newsstand in the airports, they ask me if I want water, candy or gum when I am buying anything in there; they do it EVERY time. Waiters can ask if you want an appetizer, salad, or bread with your meal … and then after your meal ask if you want another glass of wine, coffee or dessert.

The retail marketing giant Amazon, says their cross-selling suggestions on their website accounts for 35% of its sales; they fully take advantage of every opportunity they can to sell more merchandise … ARE YOU? Great questions (Pick-up lines) can separate you from your competition. Have you ever asked a question that your competition hasn’t? The better questions you ask the better your chance for additional sales. If you want to add additional profits to your bottom line, start perfecting your “pick-up lines”.

One thing is for certain…
If you don’t ask for it,
you certainly won’t get it.