Sometimes people reach out to say hello to you because they’re curious about what you’re up to and which business ideas you’re working on.

What’s the best way to handle these conversations especially since you’re busy and don’t have time for idle chit chat?

Do you just text back with the website link or IG handle of what you’re working on?

It’s really tempting to do that and get on with your life isn’t it? Especially since you know for sure that this friend of yours isn’t buying “shi shi!” ...Nigerian slang for “he ain’t buying nothin!”

When you send over the text message with the link, have you really created awareness about your new product or service? And how do you know for sure that your friend isn’t going to buy?

Even if he or she doesn’t buy from you, how do you know that they can’t give you access to the kinds of customers you’re looking for?

At the very least don’t just send out the web link without no other well thought out course of action.

Make sure you have an “elevator pitch” or some kind of statement which says what the idea is, who it helps, and the things you help them achieve.

Instead of just texting back “busy parents NG on Instagram”, why not try this...

“We’ve set up Busy Parents NG. It’s a daycare centre for parents in Lagos and Abuja who need to drop off children over the weekend. This gives them free time to attend to their side hustles or social engagements in peace knowing that their kids are well looked after.”

PLEASE NOTE I’M NOT RECOMMENDING THIS AS A BUSINESS IDEA! In fact most people think this is a terrible business idea because weekends are PRECISELY the time when parents should be with children.

But this is a hypothetical so let’s assume that there’s a market for this and you’ve gone ahead with all the tech and IP you need for the business.

After this “elevator pitch” text, your friend is going to reply something and that gives you room to slide into another conversation gear...

“Hey would you like to try out the service so that you and Alice can have your weekends stress free?”

“Do you know anyone who could use this service for weekends off?”

You should be asking questions to get feedback on the idea and see if you can get some referrals for the business.

Your friend might never buy, but he or she could know someone who is looking for the exact service or product that you offer.

Even if your friend Kemi comes up blank, continue with this process and eventually your friend or associate Khadijah might know someone and make a referral or introduction.

Don’t shun people until you know for sure that chatting with them is an absolute waste of your time.

If nothing else, this kind of messaging is good practice and will help you with sales and business development down the line.

If you know how to talk effectively about your businesses and ask for orders and referrals, then you should do well over time because everyone in your network will know for sure what you do, and who you’re looking to do business with.

So don’t ignore your nosy friends anymore.

Have an “elevator pitch” ready, and gauge how interested they are in the idea.

If they’re not interested, then ask if they can point you to someone who might have a need for your product or service.