Glenn's Blog

Author: Glenn Eldridge -

One of the great benefits of being part of the West Coast GearHeads Online Magazine Crew is that we get to cruise to lots of great car shows. But, what we love the most is listening to other GearHeads tell us all about their projects. I'm sure you've noticed that if you walk up to the guy standing next to a cool car and simply say... "Nice car," you are almost guaranteed a 30 minute conversation and perhaps a new friend. And it doesn't even have to be their car.

But, sometimes it's not that simple. so here are some tips to gain some collectible GearHead points:

• Start your conversation with a compliment.
  Most GearHeads aren't interested in hearing about something they did wrong or that they spent too much money on a modification as part of your introduction.
• Let them be right in the beginning of the conversation, before you start correcting them.
  If you start with a competitive comment, you'll end with a short-lived argument.
• Ask them for advice about something either unique on their car that you are curious about.
• Compliment the car and ask if you can take a picture of it.
  After a picture or two, ask if there is something about the car that they think that you should also photograph.
• Check out the car and find something that looks recently restored or modified to ask about.

On the flip-side, GearHead spectators easily fall into the trap of instant dialogue when looking over a cool car. To lure them in, we've learned that usually all we have to do is smile and ask what they think of the car. They magically seemed compelled to comment or ask a question. Here's the funny part, before you can finish with your answer to their question they get all amped up and anxious to bounce back with a GearHead experience they've had. If they don't ask a question, we ask them, "What's your favorite GearHead project?" and it's smooth sailing from there.

We've found that most people will open-up with one of the above tips. Give it a shot at the next Car Show or Car Event. GearHeads love to talk, as long as it's about them or their toys. If starting-up a conversation comes easy for you then you probably already know the above and more.

Tell us how you get a GearHead to talk. If something works better for you, you've had a funny experience, or simply agree / disagree, leave a comment below we'd love to hear from you.

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