Doing business where it’s noisy is bad for business

Trying to listen in a crowded, noisy, restaurant is hopeless so the myth about lunch being a great medium in which to communicate should be blown out of the water now. Maybe it was once, but I suspect more sales opportunities have been lost than have been seized over the crash of cutlery.
And then there’s the classic: “I shouldn’t really tell you this and I shall deny it if you breathe a word but you should know that…” interrupted by “Gentlemen, gentlemen, are you ready to order? The special today is lovely poached starlings…” That indiscretion that could have helped you so much will remain unsaid.

Look into their eyes because it makes you focus

If you look into the eyes of the person you are having a conversation with, you achieve two things:
1. You will command their attention and exert some control over the agenda.
2. You will listen to them properly and you’ll hear what they say to you and remember it much more accurately.

If you are known as a good listener you are a winner

Earn a reputation for listening. I was told recently that someone was having problems with their boss – “She’s always on transmit.” People on “receive” are better informed because they are more attuned to issues and challenges. They will also tend to do better because, quite simply, they are more responsive to what people (not least customers) want. And this is true as a perception … good listener are believed to be nicer and kinder people.