Connecting with others will make or break you.
“If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” Gerald Ford
When I work with agencies and sales producers, everyone wants to learn how to find more prospects, close more sales, and keep more clients.
These business and sales professionals are looking for a specific process or system that will cure-all of their sales ills. Having proven sales and marketing systems are important, but even the best system can’t fix what many agencies and producers are missing; The ability to effectively communicate and connect with their prospects and clients.
“You will only be able to reach your potential–regardless of your profession or chosen path–when you learn to connect with other people.” John C. Maxwell
It’s really that simple. No process, system, or sales tactic will make you a better communicator.
You must become intentional to connect with those you wish to serve and influence.
There are no shortcuts in great communication. To connect, you have to pour your heart and soul into the other person. It starts with your attitude.
It doesn’t matter if you are communicating in a face-to-face conversation, phone call, email, blog post, or social media update. At the heart of every interaction, the focus must be on the value of the other person.
Every company in the world has the ability to automate and delegate, but rarely do they succeed when they communicate. That’s because the focus ultimately is about factors that help their business, not the person or business they serve.
Connecting is hard work. Just like anything in life, it is was easy, more people would be doing it. Connecting requires that you are proactive with your thoughts, words, and actions.
Connecting doesn’t just happen. Connecting occurs because you make it happen.
I have learned this through first-hand experience. When I think about my personal and business relationships, my closest relationships are also the ones that I have put the most time, work, and energy pursuing. Those relationships that have been neglected, are either strained or at best, weak.
As I write this, I can think of several relationships that need more attention both personally and professionally. I am sure you can think of relationships you would like to improve as well.
There is no magic bullet. A prospect, client, co-worker, or family member isn’t likely to suddenly go out of their way to connect with you. You have to start. You have to be intentional. You have to focus on them.
Even if you are an effective communicator, you can continue to improve. If you haven’t been effective in connecting in past, don’t lose hope. Start today and you will be amazed at the effect it will have in your business and personal life.
Here are some ideas on how you can improve your communication in one-on-one situations. I have used these ideas in areas of my life and they have made a great impact.
- Talk more about the other person and less about yourself. Prepare two or three questions you ask someone before a meeting or social gathering.
- Bring something of value to a prospect or client, such as a helpful quote, story, or book, to give to someone when you get together
- At the close of a conversation, ask if there is anything you can do to help serve them and follow through. Acts of servanthood have a resounding impact that live longer than words.
Remember that connecting increases your influence in every situation.
The ability to communicate and connect effectively, will make or break you.
No marketing or sales system can do it for you. If you want to reach your full God-given potential and build deeper relationships, invest your time and energy in making powerful connections today.
