So today I have been continuing the Precise sales training that is going to make me rich! It is a lot of common sense lessons that salespeople tend to ignore based on existing standards or opinions. For instance, everyone thinks a sales presentation is all about the pitch. The sales person talking, talking, talking about benefits, cost savings, blah, blah, blah. In truth what should be happening is LISTENING. If a salesperson listened more than they would not only know what the customer wants or needs but also how the customer feels, their interests and concerns. Doesn't that make more sense? Of course it does and it is elementary knowledge. Listening skills was a category on your primary school report card for Christ sakes. Apparently a lot of people fail. Now I will admit I think I am one of them. I tend to dominate conversations by nature, expressing my thoughts, opinions and feelings whenever possible. Though now as I mature in this lifestyle (aka no longer a student who has nothing to lose) I realize the value of my silence. When I let other people talk, I gain so much more than when I do. I learn nothing about anything when I speak, only when I listen.
People take better to listening than talking anyway. Listening never gives off the impression of arrogance, where talking too much often does. (The jury is still out on whether blogging constitutes as talking too much)
The program highlights the fact that in conversation instead of telling people our life story and making statements that we are better to pose questions in order to further our relationship with the person and learn more about them. When people feel that you are genuinely interested in their opinions, they will share more of themselves. This, of course, extends way beyond business interaction. In our daily lives we could all be better listeners. We could gain so much from others that we are currently missing out on for love of our own voices.
Time to shut up and just listen...In great shoes.
Today, in the second pair of lady loafers I acquired in Chicago. Black & buckled by BCBGenereation.
