Here you are, a woman with a plan to apply for your long-term career, or you have a solid business open and ready for customers. As a ten-year financial institution worker, I have followed one simple rule that has landed me sales and strengthened relationships.
Listen.
That’s it. That is the rule. From that stems several other facets to better communication and listening that will affect every aspect of your relationship building no matter the circumstance. In my recent position, I was able to write an entire handbook on communication & listening. This handbook assisted my front-line staff in better understanding member needs to the point that sales came effortlessly. Our institution is not about forcing a sale and should never be for you either. No one wants to be told what to get, what to do, or what might work for them.
Think about this
Where was the worst customer experience you’ve ever had? Did the employee acknowledge your goals for your purchase? Did they actively listen with full eye-contact and no distractions? Probably not.
Every day, we are faced with many types of people from different walks of life. Even though you pinpoint a target demographic, you may still talk to a wide variety of others. It is important to listen to your customer, your interviewer, and even your current coworkers to break the barrier of misunderstandings. Note your non-verbal cues, such as folded arms or tapping feet. Crossed arms can portray an uncaring, stand-offish demeanor. If your arms are at your side or on your lap, back straight and facing who’s speaking, you are more approachable.
And let’s admit: Tapping your feet rapidly just makes you look impatient, or that you desperately need a bathroom.
Use empathy. One of your audience members might have just had the worst day imaginable. It’s true that people go shopping just to get their mind off things or peruse the internet for an outlet. Be ethical. Be smart. Keep your words kind, clear, and real. Stray away from sarcasm unless your entire audience knows you for that. Do not feed into anger; Rather, debate or negotiate with facts. Even landing your dream job may need some negotiating regarding pay for your skill set.
If you’re staring at the ground, you're wrong.
This may be a shock to some but being polite has faded away. Not everyone teaches their children to say “please,” “thank you,” or “your welcome.” Not everyone uses Sir or Ma’am anymore. Truth is people like that. You gain a little respect every time you show respect. This is all part of effective communication.
You won’t be writing “Dear Sirs and Madams” at the beginning of your blogs. However, thanking your audience can go a long way. It’s a way of showing you respect them and genuinely care that they’re reading your posts.
Focus on these factors to start communicating more effectively and clearly:
Show respect. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it.
Give your audience a chance to speak. Leave interactive questions or engage in your emails a bit more.
Make eye contact. Hanging your head will only end in a headache.
Think before you write or speak. Taking a few extra seconds might save you from slipping up.
Be true to yourself. You got this!
Stay fierce, Valkyrie!
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