Master the Art of Communication. Part 1 of 2- Using Your Passion To Make A ConnectionWritten by Carole Nicolaides
by Carole Nicolaides © 2002 All Rights Reserved http://www.progressiveleadership.comOne skill that we should all develop further is effective communication. Communicating clearly to your employees, co-workers, friends, and family is a critical part of your success and your ability to improve conditions you live and work in. Many people think that great communicators are born, not made. They think that some people are just naturally good speakers and motivators, and that rest of us are just destined to sit and follow those few charismatics. However, contrary is true. The key here is to discover what is fulfilling from your heart and notice difference in your communication. There are several ways to better your communication with people, by listening more actively, adjusting your behavioral style to other peoples’ styles, and communicating in a way that people will listen to you. All these things are essential if you want to excel in life, but they are just mechanics of effective communication. I want to introduce a new way of communicating that comes straight from heart, causes people to want to listen to you, and also attracts them like bees. Your message to world is so clear that people “get it” instantaneously. As a result, you attract your target audience and opportunities that you want to pursue. A few years ago, I attended a major conference and one of speakers moved whole audience by talking about a subject. The subject, in and of itself, was basically boring. Yet he was so passionate that he mesmerized his audience, helping each of us draw closer to his content and ideas. As a result many people were moved and offered their help to him. The lesson that I learned from this experience is that “Communication is about Connection” and without that your words are merely noise. Now taking this a step further, once you are passionate about what you do, and you live and work with your values, communicating becomes much easier. You will be surprised at how much easier words come once you speak from your heart. You will be ready to deliver presentations on even most difficult subjects in such a way that everybody will “get it.” Have you ever listened to peoples’ one-minute introductions? Personally, I hear a lot of “elevator speeches” and after a minute I still do not understand what some people do for a living. Yes, most of people use most eloquent words they can find plus all business jargon of their industry, but what do they really achieve? Personally, only confusion on my part. And then someone comes along with a big smile, enthusiasm in her voice and says something in simple English that an eight year old would understand. What a difference! I believe that once you are crystal clear about what your gifts are then right words come very easily.
| | 800 NumbersWritten by Bob Osgoodby
Much has been written about value of 800 numbers. Basically, an 800 number is like calling someone collect, since they pay for call instead of you. Does an 800 number increase chances of making a sale? Let's explore this a bit.Suppose you read an advertisement, or visit a web site that lists an 800 number where you can get more information. Many times you get a "canned" spiel which, if you bother to listen to whole thing, asks for your number so they can return your call. At that point, many people simply hang up as they don't want to give out their private number. The last thing they want is to be put on another telemarketing list. This tactic is used extensively in network marketing. Does it work? The jury is still out on this one. Some make you fight your way through a maze of options - press 1 for this, 2 for that, and so on. Some don't even give option of talking with a live person. If you don't select one it simply starts option selection process again. - The jury is in on this one. The owner of this 800 number will pay for a lot of calls, that simply frustrate caller and will never result in a sale. What a waste! If you're lucky, you get a real person who answers phone, and who can help. Now let's switch focus here a bit, and make believe you are person who answers. Is caller a serious prospect, a bored teenager with nothing better to do, or what they refer to in automotive trade as a "tire kicker? Trying to determine if they are a serious prospect is a challenge. If they are, you might make sale. If they aren't however, how do you gracefully end conversation? Many small businesses are a "one horse" shop, without staff, and equipment necessary to handle multiple calls. Every minute you are on phone, with someone who is not a serious prospect, is not only wasting your time, but may cost you another customer, who can't get through because line is busy.
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