Be Specific
In which we learn to ask direct questions to elicit direct, factual answers. Last week, we invented “Nick-Speak.” Read more »
Better Questions, Listening
Every Time
In which we’re encouraged to focus on customer interests, even if our companies are product focused. My daughter wants to redecorate her room. Eight years ago, when we moved into the house, my wife chose the paint and trimmings for the room. Now, my daughter wants a change – the paint, the furniture, and the … Read more »
You Wouldn’t Want To Do That
In which we are reminded to ask a question and clarify before expressing a point of view. We have the possibility of bunking and entertaining some ‘snooty’ out of town guests. They asked us to reserve space in a snooty hotel. Oh, joy. Read more »
Opening Up
In which we discuss questions we can use to broaden narrow relationships. My son and I have seen a movie – a variation on the boy meets girl theme – in which, after a long period of time, the relationship broadens from long time friends to ‘more than friends.’ Deliciously awkward moments Read more »
If They Don’t Want to Go There
In which we discuss what to do if a client doesn’t want to answer questions about details. Last week, we suggested… “When we’re selling products or processes that improve our clients’ operations (from cash management to document processing to any number of industrial products)…. Read more »
Staple Yourself
In which we suggest stapling yourself to a dollar flowing through a client’s company. As parents of teenagers, we hear the following dialog frequently: Us: Hey, welcome home. How was your evening? Them: Good. Read more »
What Are We Doing Here?
In which we learn to focus conversation with a single question before launching into broader discussion. Since I’m officially older than 18 years, I find that I’m more easily confused than my teenaged children when we’re in conversation. They’ll ask me questions or say things that leave me wondering, “What did that mean? How do … Read more »
Wedding Shoes
In which we discuss the importance of asking questions to understand the whole problem, not just the part that shows up first and easy. I once went to a wedding in another city. A friend of mine (also engaged to be married and not the world’s sharpest dresser) went into a local men’s clothing store … Read more »
Talking Business
In which we learn to ask questions about four business drivers to understand our clients’ businesses. As your clients are reviewing their plans and budgets for the year…. now’s the time to raise the level of your conversations with them to a level above “we’d really like the opportunity to work with you.” All business … Read more »
Internal Issues
In which we learn to ask about “internal issues” that buyers may not tell us about. Airport bound last Tuesday, I stopped briefly at my office. Starting down the basement stairs, I noticed … water…ankle deep… lapping gently around now saturated boxes of financial records, project deliverables, and family heirlooms. Silent scream …. I left … Read more »
We Are Seriously Social.