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Read Dale Carnegie's excellent book, "How To Win Friends And Influence People." You'll find some grand insights. If you enjoy reading, there are lots of good titles that collectively can bring you
understanding you need.
If you're not a reader, try this.
Just Hang Around
Pick a corner downtown with heavy pedestrian traffic. Settle in and watch people as they flow by. You'll see enormous differences in behavior. Particularly on a rainy day. Try to think in terms of
"why" of these difference.
Wander into a busy department store and watch those shopping. If you can, pick a day on which a big sale brings vast crowds. Shoppers will run
gamut from those who grab an item quickly, then push on - to those who examine each of six equivalent products in detail.
Throughout, withhold judgement. You are merely an observer. You want to gather whatever information you can about what people do and why. Their motivations and behavior may remain unsuitable or even "crazy" to you. Nonetheless, you want and need this information.
Become Preoccupied With Watching
The fascinating thing about "people watching" is that you can do so most everywhere you go, regardless of
task you personally need to accomplish. In a meeting, watch
other participants. When driving, track
behavior of other drivers.
If you become a serious "people watcher," you'll achieve a grand benefit most will never discover. Here's what it boils down to.
Eliminate Yourself From The Picture
While you are watching others, you are NOT thinking about yourself. You are focused on
person you are watching. Thus you have eliminated yourself from
"universe" of
person you are observing. You are trying to see all as they do.
Now you've really got something. While you can not see visitors on your site, try to "watch" them as you might observe strangers in a store or on
street. This can bring an enormous positive change in your focus. Suddenly you may be asking all kinds of neat questions.
Would that clown who darn near ran me off
freeway like my site?
That women is awfully impatient; how long could my site hold her interest?
That scatterbrain doesn't seem to know where he's trying to go; how would he deal with my site?
Focus On The Individual, Not The Crowd
There are an uncountable number of things you can watch people do. Then ask how such a person might behave while visiting your site. Above all, ask what you'd have to do to get a sale.
The power in this approach is that you are putting your individual visitor first in your thinking. This tends to soften, even eliminate, yourself and your personal preferences. In taking this step, your opportunities for success are multiplied many times over. Particularly in that it doesn't happen on most sites.
Try it. It just might lead to a whole new and better way of doing business.

Bob McElwain, author of "Your Path To Success" and "Secrets To A Really Successful Website." For info, see Get ANSWERS. Subscribe to "STAT News" now! mailto:join-stat@lyris.dundee.net