The Greek philosopher Epictetus [55 - 135 AD] said "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."
In this Internet era of 21st century, the sentiment still holds true.
In business communications, we need to listen to hear if our customers or our market is speaking to us.
Many businesses are oblivious to this. Listening is (or should be) the first part of your marketing or sales cycle.
When it comes to online interactions for businesses, we have more than two ears - search engines and other tools can help you listen more effectively for markets or potential customers.
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Hi Surya, Great post on a crucial lesson in business. I have found that some of the most successful business people have an extraordinary passion for their product or service. They have a fabulous story to tell. The problem is when they begin to enjoy hearing their own story more than they do listening to what others have to share.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many venues to tell our stories online, it's easy to forget to listen to what's happening in the marketplace. As you say, it takes more listening than speaking to discover new markets and potential customers.
Your observations are so true, Nicole.
ReplyDeleteSome of the key obstacles to effective listening are: #1 Confirmation Bias, the tendency to pick out aspects of conversations that support our own beliefs and values, #2 Vividness Bias, exposure to and influence from vivid, graphic or dramatic presentation of events/information.
To become an effective listener, one needs to change their attitude and habits.
Attitude change comes through preparation
and
Habits are developed through goal setting and practice.
Hi Surya,
ReplyDeleteHope your business is very successful!!
Best Regards,
Don Dunbar