How to Be a Better Listener

When you’re networking or meeting with potential clients, it is very important that you listen to what they say. If you don’t, you could leave money on the table.

Being able to listen to others allows you get the information you need to solve a potential client’s problems and make them YOUR client.

Here are some tips to help you listen better:

• Let the other person explain what’s on their mind. Acknowledge their feelings.
•  Encourage the person to explain in more detail by asking open-ended questions, making eye contact and making listening noises (these are called “minimal encouragers”). 
• Paraphrase what was said to you. This shows you were listening and understood what they were saying. 
• Ask questions and offer to work on a possible solution.