Asking Good Questions ... And Listening To the Answers

Last week, I did a teleseminar for the National Resume Writers' Association on "Ask Better Questions; Write Better Resumes." (If you missed it, you can still catch it here.)

One critical component I didn't cover on the call -- but that needs mentioning -- is the importance of listening (REALLY listening) to the answers you get. And it's not just about listening when you're gathering information to write the resume. But that's important too.

How, And Why, To Listen To Your Customers 
Do you listen to your customers? Do you listen to prospective customers? If you know how to listen, you can learn the secrets to building a strong and powerful resume writing business – the kind of business that has the capacity to make real change in the world. Most people know that listening is a powerful skill, yet they don’t take the steps required to become a better listener.

When you listen it means you have to give 100% of your attention. And let’s face it, there are a lot of people, thoughts, and things battling for your attention. It’s hard to listen. The following tips, steps, and ideas will help you become a better listener.

1. Stop Multitasking. When you’re talking with someone on the phone, via email, on social media or face-to-face, simply stop everything else you’re doing. This is the first step to eliminating distractions and allowing you to hear what the person is trying to communicate. For example, it’s often difficult to understand a client email completely when the television is on.
2. Stop Thinking – Learn to Focus. It’s difficult, admittedly, to shut out the other thoughts running through your mind and simply hear the person that’s talking to you. However, when you can accomplish it, you gain valuable insight. When you listen, you’ll be able to ask insightful questions that will help you writer a better resume.
3. Ask Questions. The only way someone knows if you’re listening is if you ask questions. The more relevant and thoughtful the question, the more you’ll learn. The same is true for any type of communication; email, phone calls, face-to-face, it doesn’t matter. Asking follow-up questions shows the person that you’re hearing what they have to say.

Why Listen? 
We like people who listen to us -- and guess what? We buy from people we like. We also respect people who listen and respond thoughtfully, as if they actually heard what we had to say. Finally, listen to learn. Listening to others not only helps you learn about your customers and their needs and goals, it also helps you learn more about you and the business you want to build. When you listen, you quiet your mind and that’s when real learning happens.