Yeah, I know. I’ve heard it before, too. The famous or infamous saying: “To assume something makes an ‘A$$’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me.'”
But, optical family, in our line of business that’s what we do! We make assumptions about everyone who comes through our door. We just assume that there is an underlying reason why people come into our business. I mean we are opticians, right?
What is an optician and what does one do? Wikipedia’s definition of an optician starts like this: “A technical practitioner who designs, fits and dispenses corrective lenses for the correction of a person’s vision.”
But sometimes a person walks into our business and we ask a silly question like, “So you wanna buy glasses?” WTF — what’s the focus? We are opticians, for crying out loud!
There are optical frames of all styles, sunglasses, optical cleaning supplies, optical personnel and optical POPs. So if a potential client comes into your optical business, just assume that the person is there to fulfill his or her optical needs. Period!
We have been told all our lives not to assume or make assumptions, but in our field of work that is what we do. We assume that when you walk through our doors (especially) with a prescription in hand you are coming to purchase glasses, prescription glasses, contact lenses or even prescription sunglasses.
We can safely make the assumption that people who come into our business are there to fulfill their optical needs. Don’t make an A$$ out of you and me by NOT making that assumption.
Yeah, I make a lot of assumptions. You should as well.
Happy selling!
DAVID BUTLER is an optician with over 12 years of experience in the industry. He has served as a lab technician and optical manager. He has education in computer information systems and business management. He excels in working side-by-side with patients and managing priorities.
A version of this article originally appeared at DailyOptician. DailyOptician features unique perspectives from passionate opticians and inspiring brands.
This article is an online extra for INVISION Online.