We all know that listening to what our customers want is important, but are you listening for the right things? Recently, wireless companies Verizon and AT&T both went from unlimited data plans to limited data plans, without any exceptions. Verizon’s prices increased nearly 50% for some families when the company switched to “shared data” across all of their family plans. But T-Mobile and Sprint, two smaller carriers, decided to take a different approach. Both smaller wireless carriers still offer unlimited data plans and never charge overage fees. Why? T-Mobile said in a statement that “the customer demanded it.” That’s what your business should be thinking of when “listening” is mentioned. Here are a couple of ways to become better listeners.
Always Be Open and Honest
One of the most effective ways to gain clients is to be honest, open, and real. If you’re just trying to impress your clients with big words and fancy talk, it’s likely you won’t have as many customers as you should. People may not be great at being inauthentic, but they are excellent at spotting inauthenticity. Most people prefer you to be flawed and honest rather than perfect and a fake. Show the real you – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Trust Your Client
Along with being trusting means being honest about yourself when speaking to your client. Talk to them about how your company started and how all of it has made you feel. Don’t pour out your soul, but show a certain degree of openness and see what rings true with your client. Many will respond in a positive manner and will be more willing to share their hesitations, which means you have more of an opportunity to quell their fears before bringing them on board.
