How to Have Better Business Conversations
Conversations teach you so much. They allow you to deepen your understanding of human behaviour, listen to struggles and successes, engage in discussions and watch lives unfold, each conversation increasing your awareness that there are many ways to live your life and build a business. Through conversations you can access knowledge, skills and strategies to and unlock dreams. You benefit from examples set by others who help you determine what is individually important to you and clarify your thoughts. You gain far more than you realize if you are open and tolerant as you share experiences and insights through conversations.
Purposeful Conversations turn into business
A common problem experienced by many business owners is their ability to have better business conversations and to generate leads. Too often when they attend business networking events the focus is on transactions rather than building relationships.
Networking is an effective marketing tool but it must be done properly. It is a fallacy to think the conversations need to be about sales. It’s more advisable to be having more purposeful conversations with your existing and new connections, which over time, and at the right time turning those conversations into business.
Better conversations build relationships
Conversations will become richer and more fulfilling as your relationships develop. What do I mean? Well, the initial meeting and early conversations, I like to call an ice breaker. They are a chance to start building rapport, and the opportunity to show curiosity and interest in others.
As your relationship develops, so does your conversation. You learn more about each other, build on previous knowledge, benefit from open-ended questions allowing you to explore goals, interests, past experience, skills, challenges and offer help and add value.
Conversations Access Your Ideal Client
During a recent conversation with a small group in my network, I asked the question “How do better conversation help you access your ideal client?”
Alvin Cooney, from Asentiv shared that by using open questions he regularly uncovers access and opportunities that support his network and business. He has also found that by listening proactively and staying focused, not allowing his mind to wander, he can make the most of every opportunity that a conversation can provide.
Garth Davis from Property PowerHouse, shared that he is genuinely interested in people and finds that with a warm, genuine and friendly approach, regularly opens doors to his ideal client.
Remembering conversation is a two way process and engaging fully, listening and responding appropriately will build deeper relationships. It is also essential to remember, as Peter Dempsey, inspirational speaker, highlighted that we must never make assumptions which potentially overlook hidden possibilities within business conversations.
When you invest in having better conversations, as our YTM Members have experienced, you will see a positive impact on your business. Your business will benefit and you will not only generate more leads but be able to access support and engage with suppliers, clients, referrers, collaborators and friends.
I would like to know If you have any other tips on how you have better conversations, please comment below …
And, if you would like to improve the conversations you have and improve your skills, we offer events where you will not only gain knowledge and connection, but hone your conversation skills, and mentoring, tools and strategies. Follow us on our LinkedIn Company page .
Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst. The relationships you build all start from the conversations you have. Are you seeking to build relationships ? Read the COMPLIMENTARY chapter of my book to gain some insight as to why I believe you need to invest time in building your relationships and all that they can teach you.
