Today, our daily lives are influenced by all kinds of sophisticated and complex marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. In this scenario, it might seem to us that the figure of the street knife sharpener, with his pan flute and characteristic cry, belongs to a distant past. However, although in much better numbers, many of these traditional knife sharpeners and street vendors still roam the streets of some towns and cities using the same methods and claims as in the past. But analyzing their methods from a modern perspective, we can find valuable marketing and sales lessons that are still relevant today.
The figure of the itinerant sharpener spread throughout Spain and the world. The first sharpeners manually transported the sharpening stone. Over time, they began to use wooden carts and later bicycles or motorcycles to move from one place to another. In addition to sharpening knives, razors and scissors, sharpeners were also responsible for repairing other kitchen utensils worn out by use. They announced their presence with the characteristic whistle of their flute.
The typical sound of the sharpener is a combination of two fundamental elements: the pan croatia telegram lead flute and the sharpener's own voice. The pan flute, also known as the "sharpener's whistle" or "whistle", is a small musical instrument made of reeds or plastic. The sharpener blows into the flute creating a simple and repetitive melody that is used to announce himself on the streets. This tone is usually loud and clear, designed to be heard from a long distance. Added to this musical call is the sharpener's voice, who loudly proclaims his trade with phrases such as "Sharpener! I sharpen scissors, knives, razors!" This vocal tone, generally cheerful and striking, is intended to attract the attention of potential customers even from inside their homes.
If the mountain does not come to Muhammad, Muhammad will go to the mountain
This expression illustrates the importance of being proactive and adaptable when circumstances do not align with our desires or plans. In the context of street sharpeners, this phrase perfectly reflects their dynamic and flexible approach to attracting customers and offering their services. Sharpeners, with their distinctive pan flute sound, did not passively wait for customers to come to them. Rather than setting up a fixed business and waiting for customers to arrive, sharpeners brought their service directly to the homes and businesses of potential customers. By canvassing the streets and neighborhoods, sharpeners ensured that they were present where their service was needed, thereby maximizing their business opportunities.