The Meaning Behind The Message

By Author: Diane M. Hess
Total Articles: 3
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A message, and its meaning, can get distorted, especially when you are not face-to-face with a client, prospect or a member in a networking group. Listed below are a few reasons for this distortion and a few tips on how to avoid these common but overlooked errors.

An inability to listen. Listening is a skill. Put your thoughts, self-talk, and the project that you're working on aside and focus on what the other person is saying. Be patient! Some people need more time to make their point or to express their needs.

It's a task to listen when face-to-face, but when you are not, don't listen just long enough to place what the other is saying into a pre-established pattern. This is also called "pigeonholing." Each person has unique individual needs. Take cares to discover what they are and then act accordingly.

Having an attitude such as, "It didn't make sense," or "all these Internet inquires are the same . . . " can lose more business than you can imagine. Leave the attitude behind and find out what the other person needs, or what they are asking you to do.

Make allowances for cultural ...
... differences or language barriers. Go slow; and ask clear questions to get the message straight.

Have you noticed at times, on-line inquires can cause frustration because of the lack of feedback and inability to see the non-verbal responses. You can compensate for this by clarifying what the other person has said.

Have you tried to have a conversation with someone who interrupts you? Even if you think you will lose your thought, don't interrupt a member of your group or a potential prospect.

Don't talk too much. You may be the only person who will listen to the other person today. Don't keep busy expressing your opinion or "telling" your story. Listen, hear what the other person is saying; then run it past them to make sure you have understood the little nuances.

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2005 Copyrights© Hess Business Professionals & Associates


About the Author Diane M. Hess is a freelance professional who's found her niche in business development and management. She's dedicated herself to assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs in building their business from the ground floor up. If you're looking for a professional in eBusiness, visit http://www.hbpassociates.biz to learn how Hess Business Professionals & Associates can help you.