Focus on Service...

Whether you are focusing on your business or personal relationships, base all of your interactions on answering the following question:

“How will this add value for the other person?”

Listen to what the other person is saying and pay attention to what they mean.  Ask for clarification and be specific in your communication.

Think about the people you enjoy spending time with.  I am guessing that they are good listeners.  I am willing to bet they are the people who take the time to listen to what you have to say and make you feel valued and respected.

What kind of listener are you?  Do you listen without interrupting?  Do you interject with your opinion?  Or, do you try to understand what they are going through?  Listening without judgment is critical to forming strong relationships.

Next time you are in a conversation with someone, try to listen unhindered.  Do not try to guess what they are thinking or what you should say next.  Clarify what they are saying and try to understand what they are saying.  By practicing listening skills, you will begin foster trust and loyalty in others by making them feel valued.  Wow, think of what that would do for your personal relationships.

Now let’s put it into a business perspective.  There are people out there with a need or a problem.  You are in business to supply a solution.  We, as business owners, are here in service of others.  Our business’ are not about creating a problem, but finding those who have the problem that we have a solution for.

When we take the time to understand a potential customer’s problem, we validate them and make them feel valued.  This will create a relationship built on trust.  One in which your customer is more likely to listen to your solutions because you took the time to understand their problem.  You have earned their trust.  What do you think that will do for your business?

By listening and trying to understand without prejudgments, you are fostering loyal and long-lasting relationships.  These are the relationships that will help move you towards achieving personal freedom and financial abundance.