Open Dialogs with Your Customers by Asking Questions

If you want to impress your customers you definitely want to learn the art of not talking about yourself. People love to be asked questions about what they do and the things they like. They don't like to be bombarded with a ton of I am good at this or that statements.

As a business person you want to get into the habit of asking open ended questions. These are questions that require a response other than just a yes or no.

In addition to learning how to ask this type of question you need to develop the skill of becoming a good listener. People love to know that you are indeed listening to them. 

When you can repeat back all the main points of a conversation then you have acquired this skill.

Let's take a look at some good questions that you can ask your customers and clients. These is also a great way to get to know someone new too.

·         Asking how to and why questions is a great place to start.

·         Where did you hear about us?

·         What is important to you with...?

·         How do you feel about?

·         Tell me about your previous experience with...

·         Tell me about yourself.

When asking open ended questions you never know what information the person will give you. You may discover that they just moved from another state or province. Maybe they just got married or became grandparents for the first time.

You may be surprised at what kind of information people will offer when you give them the chance to talk. Remember let them do the talking, take mental notes so that you can respond by showing your concern.

When you can repeat back to them the main points of their conversation, they will be a) impressed, b) grateful that you actually listened to them.

When you garner some great information don't immediately turn around and try to sell them something. Instead offer to follow up by sending them some information that will help them.

The offer of help will be appreciated, and of course, is the perfect excuse for you to follow up at a later date.

During the course of your conversation, if you discover that this person was referred to you by someone else. 

Ask for their name and don't forget to send them a thank you card! Now you are impressing two people with one action.