How Your Ears Affect Your Bottom Line

The Power of Listening to Impact Profits

RALEIGH, N.C.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--In today's economy, successful business leaders have to win over new customers and clients and hold on to the ones they have. An important key to building business — powerful listening — is often overlooked.

“I can see why you would be upset about this problem”

"The real secret to business success is not what you say, but in how you listen," Communications Expert David Cunningham says. "Far from being a passive activity, true listening is anything but passive. Honing your skills in this area will definitely impact your bottom line."

As a Senior Program Leader for Landmark Education, David has taught courses to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Recently, on The Economy and You radio show hosted by Will Kaydos on Web Talk Radio Network, he gave these tips to improve listening skills and profits:

1. PRACTICE BEING PRESENT — Actually be there in the conversation and not somewhere else. When we're in conversations, particularly threatening or confronting ones, our tendency is to plan what we will say next. If you find yourself doing this, stop and actually listen to what the other person has to say. Doing so will empower you to resolve the problem or positively impact the situation.

2. NOTICE WHAT YOU ADD — We all tend to add our own interpretations to what we are told. If you tell me I totally failed to deliver what I promised, what I may hear – even though you never said it – is that I may lose you as a client. Then I may start responding defensively with unnecessary justifications. But if I hear what you really said, and respond to that specifically, that allows us to get back on the same page and seek solutions.

3. REALLY GET THE COMMUNICATION — When you're present and not adding anything to what's said, you can actually hear what people are concerned about and respond in a way that lets them know you got it. It also helps to demonstrate you understand why they're saying what they're saying – as in, "I can see why you would be upset about this problem," or "I know you're wanting us to come up with the best possible solution for everyone," or "I imagine you're committed to the same thing I am here."

Practicing these skills will allow you to take actions based on what really matters to your clients, customers and team members. When your attention is not on yourself, but on what the other person is dealing with, it empowers you to do all kinds of things that are important to you and your business. You can improve your product or service, make your customers happier, increase the satisfaction and effectiveness of your team, and ultimately enjoy greater profit.

Click here to listen to Will Kaydos interviewing David Cunningham on the Topics of Communication and Landmark Education.

David Cunningham is a Senior Program Leader with Landmark Education. For more information on David and Landmark Education, please visit www.landmarkeducation.com.