Teaching old horses new tricks

[hot899]

Hey gang ..for the life of me i cant sway any of my friends or family members who smoke to swich to vaping even after i explain its benifits over tobbaco. They feel my vaping is silly and odd compaired to regular smoking which everyone exceps as normal. It doesnt hinder me in the least as i am now a vaper and not a smoker

 

[Hottody]

Yes...I gave a new 510 kit to someone who can't stop smoking and also has Emphysema; she has yet to try the kit or vaping. Until Others express some interest, it can be hard to help them initiate change. It is frustrating for sure.

 

[chagrin]

I haven't been able to convert a single person either, though I never was a salesman. I think if there isn't quite a bit of interest from the start you won't be able to. I've got way more interest from random people on the street, that already know about them and want more information. Perhaps the best approach is to the plant the seed, drop some hints and look like you really like vaping.

I get frustrated with saying people say e-cigarettes are too expensive or "tastes funny", but month after month keep buying 1-2 packs a day of cigarettes.

 

[DancingHeretik]

I'm definitely not a salesman. Won't even try. Especially since people don't want to be sold on things anyway. And, poor smokers! They're harassed from every direction with people trying to force them to change!

It seems the best method would be to simply be a good example. Let them see how happy you are with vaping (without TELLING them anything). Let them be tempted by the wonderful smells of the different yummy flavors. And, let them be amazed that it works, that you are still doing it months later!

Eventually, they'll get curious. Maybe not all of them, but enough. When they're ready, they'll ask.

 

[bidslayer]

I've had a few people ask me about them, where they were interested in getting info for their family members who smoke. I try not to babble too much about the equipment and variety of juices so I don't scare them off and give them the link to the forum and the info zone as well as my email if their family members want to talk about it. Nothing worse than having your family hard sell you on how you should stop smoking. I did get into a terribly geeky conversation with one co-worker (uber geek engineer) and was pulling up info on box mods and showed him pbusardo vaping Boba's Bounty on a light saber. My other co-workers rolled their eyes and continued with thier discussion of shoes.


Overall, people at work have been really supportive and keep telling me how proud they are of me for quitting. My mom thinks its cute when I blow out clouds of vapor ... but she's happy enough to have me not smoking on her balcony anymore.

I'll offer info to anyone who asks but I'm trying very hard not to be one of those rabid ex smokers who preaches to anyone with a .... in their hands.

 

[Dusty_D]

I've converted maybe about a dozen folks in my two years of vaping. Of those folks, about 1/2 of them went back to analogs because they found e-cigs "fussy" and difficult to adapt to. Some are still occasional smokers and a handful are full time vapers with APV's and over 30ml of juice in their collections.

I can tell you this much, you will not convert anyone by forcing your opinions on them, much like you probably never gave up analogs until "you" wanted to give them up.

Let them come to you, and then indulge them to the fullest. Save your energy for those that actually want to quit. It will make the effort worth it..rather than feeling like you are wasting your time.

Best of luck!

 

[bidslayer]

Post Script -
My boss is actually a better (harder) salesperson than I am at work. She's dragged me into conference rooms and demanded that I show everyone the e-cigarettes and demonstrate them. Then she scowls at the smokers in the room and tell them in her heavy french accent that they should stop being ridiculous with the cigarettes and start vaping too.

 

[chagrin]

I've converted maybe about a dozen folks in my two years of vaping. Of those folks, about 1/2 of them went back to analogs because they found e-cigs "fussy" and difficult to adapt to. Some are still occasional smokers and a handful are full time vapers with APV's and over 30ml of juice in their collections.

I bet that's a high number for the average vaper, you seem like you have an influential personality. Even after a couple coughing fits, I *still* had to try Geoff's Blend again. That *is* a good juice though, but it's got a kick.

 

[Projectguy]

Fortunately or unfortunately I am in a "target rich environment" I am the chair of a community health centre for Aboriginal people. 60% of First Nations people smoke. I converted the ED then we ran a presentation for staff that expressed a significant amount of interest which converted 2 that grew to 3 and we'll soon be running another presentation. I think the word got out that it was the free pizza lunch. I also do a lot of traveling and talk to anybody who's smoking or asks about the PV.

 

[shades]

IMHO...

The best thing you can do, is be ready to answer questions, when curiosity is enough that they offhandedly ask you a question or two, and answer it in the same manner they asked.

Eventually, and especially if they see you still vaping after an extended period of time knowing how much you used to smoke it might hit home for them.

I tried vaping back in 09 and went back to analogs because the tech wasn't where I needed it to be. When I started again quite a number of the people in my dart leagued made side bets on how long it would last this time. One friends daughter said at the end of the year dart banquet that is what I want! and pointed to my LT and the better halfs ego. He said to her that if I was still vaping by the time darts start again next year ( in September ) he would pay for it himself what ever she wanted. I completely understood his doubt and said I look forward to seeing him in September.

One of the reasons I carry several cartomizers still sealed and 3 sample bottles with my spare ego battery is for when they seem curious enough to atleast attempt it, I can let them try it with out being worried about my slobber I have two people at work using them because of that and my brother in-law and sister are close to making the leep.

The relatives are not as quick because I bought them what I had in 2009 as gifts and they gave up on it as quickly as I did.

The same for two friends in the states, answered questions, video'd what I was using so they could see it and compare it, gave links when they asked. He is going to give it a try and depending on how it turns out for him his better half is willing to give it ago herself.

 

[fourtytwo]

I got one converted and another interested.
I'm a very bad salesman and don't even try.
I think back to when I was a smoker and believe that I would never have tried vaping if it was pushed on me.

Like the old saying goes...
"You can lead a horse to water but if you can teach it to do the backstroke, THEN you got something there"
Yeah, I know.... I just like this version better...

 

[MisterMike]

I'm not a salesperson by any stretch. If a fisherman who was eternally afraid of drowning walked into a store where I was selling life preservers, he'd probably tell me that he wasn't really interested and walk away. The only times I've been successful at selling something was when I basically just explained what it does. So that's what I've been doing with e-cigs. Answering questions and explaining what they do.

I haven't directly converted anyone, but I've had some interest from people who knew how hard of a time I've had quitting in the past. I haven't really followed up to see if anyone's done anything about it.

 

[X P3 Flight Engineer]

I find, unfortunately, that we are competing with something that people can stick in their mouth, apply fire to it, and it works every time.

If I could find something that was 'frig-free', instead of 'if it does this, you have to do this' I'm sure I could convince people to convert. The best 'frig-free' rig I have found so far is the Twist with a Vivi Nova on it.

The only drawback to it is that it looks like a cross between a Coleman Lantern and the Olympic Torch! I'm not afraid to wave it around in public, but New Comers are not anxious to draw attention to themselves.

I have set up a couple relatives. One lasted for a few weeks until the Star Dusts started leaking into the batteries. The other is very recent and it remains to be seen how it turns out, however I think it will be the same. When there is a problem, that's the end.

People want something that works! Every time! Without frigging! We do not have that to offer.

As another organization states,"If you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get it". The ones that are that committed to vaping will be successful.

I know I wouldn't have lasted long if I gave up after an equipment failure or a disappointing piece of "New Improved" gear that wasn't exactly as advertised.

The iTaste is has great appeal and performance, it just doesn't have anything reliable that will fit under the cap.

The Vivi Nova has reliable performance, for the most part, but is large and ungainly. Hopefully, soon we will have something that brings this all together in one reliable, attractive package. People are ready for it!

 

[~ puff ~]

I live in a building with a lot of seniors, many of them die-hard smokers.

A few were grumbling about my e-cigs earlier this year, hollering me to "take those things out of your mouth". And worse.

I actually think some of the old folks were frightened by the new technology.

So I had a vape party in the back yard a few weeks ago. I had info ~~ if they wanted that ~~ printed and put in page protectors. With lots of pictures.

I also had some 808's and 510's for sampling, along with alcohol wipeys, and a variety of yummy pre-mixed and DIY flavors.

Turned out to be a good party, many of the seniors are far less uptight towards pvs and two are interested in vaping (although one is a 74 year old sweetie whose younger bf wants her to change).

I didn't do it to convert anybody. I just wanted people to relax around electronic cigarettes and understand them better.

Interesting that a few who used to scold me, now tease me if my battery flashes or if my juice smells good. I tell them I switched from tobacco smokes to save money ~~ and I did. And that seems to be all I need to say.

Funny, I've overheard them talking among themselves about e cigs and they do so with mostly correct info.

~ puff ~

 

[DancingHeretik]

So I had a vape party in the back yard a few weeks ago. I had info ~~ if they wanted that ~~ printed and put in page protectors. With lots of pictures.

I also had some 808's and 510's for sampling, along with alcohol wipeys, and a variety of yummy pre-mixed and DIY flavors.

I didn't do it to convert anybody. I just wanted people to relax around electronic cigarettes and understand them better.

Interesting that a few who used to scold me, now tease me if my battery flashes or if my juice smells good. I tell them I switched from tobacco smokes to save money ~~ and I did. And that seems to be all I need to say.

What a brilliant idea! Well done.

 

[chagrin]

One of the reasons I carry several cartomizers still sealed and 3 sample bottles with my spare ego battery is for when they seem curious enough to atleast attempt it, I can let them try it with out being worried about my slobber I have two people at work using them because of that and my brother in-law and sister are close to making the leep.

That's a good idea, I gotta start packin' myself. I'm personally thinking 510 automatics and LR cartomizers, just for the general idea and similar size/feel.

I got one converted and another interested.
I'm a very bad salesman and don't even try.
I think back to when I was a smoker and believe that I would never have tried vaping if it was pushed on me.

Exactly, I never like anything as much as when I learn about it on my own or feel like I did anyway.

I find, unfortunately, that we are competing with something that people can stick in their mouth, apply fire to it, and it works every time.

That's a great point. Not to mention they can go to any local store and buy all the "tools" for cigarettes easier and cheaper in the short term.

I'm constantly annoyed about how much time I spend on here (no offense) and youtube. Plus how much money I've spent on things that didn't work well.

 

[hot899]

Yes,,vaping is not plug and play like smoking is. it takes a bit of time and effort to research and test different hardware and juices to find what works for you. Its hard to keep up on all the new stuff coming out but that is what i like about it.To me vaping is a hobby as well as a healthy new life style cheers!

 

[Projectguy]

~ puff ~ has it right.

She (hope I got that right) wasn't trying to "sell" anything. Just spoke openly about a passion, spoke about something she believes in. Passion and belief are the most effective tools of conversion known to the human mind.

 

[Saphirsis]

I hand out ECF cards when someone seems interested. ( personally, I couldn't sell girl scout cookies) I make sure to tell them that ecf has lots of info, but they don't sell anything

Other than that, I show them how my carto works, and tell them how long my battery lasts. Cause you know, they always want to start with one like a cigarette, just like I did, LOL