| In any type of business situation it can sometimes be | | | | become who we are. No two people experience the |
| difficult to relate and communicate with others. Most of | | | | exact same exact events, trials, encounters, or |
| the time we encounter people that we have never | | | | exposures in life. That is why we are all unique |
| met before. Often we have to instinctively determine | | | | individuals. Everyone has something they can teach us, |
| their needs and desires before a conversation even | | | | if we are open to them.4. Ask questions. Be genuinely |
| begins. However, by learning the art of turning | | | | interested in learning about the other person. Others |
| strangers into friends, we can quickly make our clients | | | | know when we are not sincere. When we are just |
| at ease. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs | | | | acting nice to get a quick sell, they know it. On the |
| have that ability. In fact, that is one of the most | | | | other hand, when we truly care about others they can |
| important aspects of any successful business.We all | | | | feel it. They will trust you and have more faith in what |
| know that some people were born outgoing and | | | | you are relating to them.5. Listen more than you talk. |
| personable. Others are more reserved and | | | | Even when giving a sales presentation. Ask questions. |
| contemplative. The uniqueness of both types of | | | | You will learn much more by listening than by constant |
| personalities can have their strengths in communication. | | | | chattering in a presentation without any input from the |
| Everyone can sharpen their people skills by knowing a | | | | other individual. How can you know their needs, if you |
| few key tools. It may come easier to some than | | | | haven't listened. You may offer them a service or |
| others but with time and consistent practice everyone | | | | product that is totally out of their reach financially, or |
| can improve to some degree. The goal is to | | | | something that does not fit with what they are looking |
| understand how to relate to others by appreciating | | | | for or need.6. Be honest. If there is a downside that |
| their uniqueness, | | | | they need to consider, be direct. It is better that you |
| while appreciating your own.Below are some simple | | | | are up front and tell the truth, than they find out later |
| principles and ideas that will help you achieve your | | | | that you had lied to them. Obviously, if you believe in |
| goals.1. A valuable concept that is extremely profound | | | | your service or product your positives will dramatically |
| that could literally change the way you look at others is | | | | outweigh the negatives. You want more than just a |
| this. Look at everyone as equals. Not in terms of | | | | quick sell, you want lasting relationships to build your |
| superior or inferior. No matter how successful, affluent, | | | | business on. If you do not know an answer to |
| intelligent or lofty social status, we are basically equals. | | | | something, say that you do not know but that you will |
| Maybe the other person has achieved a degree of | | | | get back to them with the answer.7. Show the other |
| success in areas that you have not. However, you | | | | person respect by not talking down to them. |
| undoubtedly have areas that you have achieved | | | | Remember that you know your service or product |
| success in as well. They may not be as noticeable, but | | | | backwards and forwards. They do not. That is why |
| they are just as important.2. Focus on the similarities | | | | they are coming to you. Be patient and helpful, even |
| rather than the differences. Find something that you | | | | when it may be hard. You were there once too.The |
| and the other | | | | world is full of unique and interesting people. The more |
| individual have in common. No matter how many | | | | that we work on ourselves and our attitudes of others, |
| people we meet, eventually we will learn something | | | | the more that we will see the beauty in others. I |
| about the other person that we have in common. | | | | guarantee if you apply these principles, you will be |
| Create a bond with what your commonalities are.3. | | | | surprised at how many of your business associates |
| Enjoy the differences. One of the beauties of life is | | | | will become life long friends.La Donna Jensen is an |
| diversity. If everyone looked the same, acted the | | | | expert in marketing and sales for over 15 years. |
| same, had the same talents, thoughts, ideas and | | | | Marketing consultant for a radio show and magazine. |
| abilities, life would be boring. It is like an intricate | | | | Successful owner of own business and Internet |
| patchwork quilt. The variety of patterns and colors | | | | entrepreneur. |
| create beauty and interest. It takes a lifetime to | | | | |