Panhandlers

I talk to them myself when I have the opportunity.
I'm not the person to go to New York City with:rolleyes:

Is the secrets of successful panhandlers a good niche? Not likely, lol. Maybe it could serve as a novelty WSO.

-- Be friendly and witty with prospects. Sometimes a friendly face, whether its that of a panhandler or wealthy landowner, is mighty welcome in a hostile world.
-- Come across like your offering something, not asking for something. "I know how to brighten your day."
-- Tell a story. A story draws in an audience, but tell it in punchy and fast paced way. Tell your story in response to questions. Don't push it. Get them to request it. The story, whether truth or fiction, should both entertain your prospect and explain your predicament.
-- Self-deprecating (NOT self-pitying) humor goes a long way towards breaking the ice. "I'm renovating my villa. Need to buy me needle and thread to sew up my tent."
-- Some kind of gimmick helps give you a trademark, so you stand out from the other panhandlers. One successful panhandler I know plays a flute and wears a green hat. Not very well, but it lends nicely to his nice peaceful guy image. Folks are always chatting with him and handing him money.
-- Once your prospect is smiling and charmed by your pitch, close the sale, ask for some change.