Thoughtful Thursdays - Be a better listener

Being a good listener is a characteristic demonstrated by successful people in every walk of life and sales is no exception. You can become a better listener by putting into practice a few simple thoughts.

•  Focus on the speaker
• Avoid distractions - turn cell phones off, do not incoming take calls, stay on topic, tune out the noise
• Make eye contact
• Acknowledge and empathize
• Do not interrupt
• Be interested and learn
• A bit of silence is okay

A lot of the selling process is about asking, when you ask a question have the courtesy of listening to the response and hearing what your customer or prospect is saying. Assessing the situation and determining needs is facilitated by being a good listener.

It sounds easy, it may take longer than you think to improve your skills. The improvement in the quality of your conversations will be noticeable with the increased information that becomes available to you. Being a better listener pays off in the long run.

It has been said may times before: You have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. Use them in similar proportions.

Good selling,
Richard