The Importance of Listening

As a Voiceover Artist, my job is to talk.

There are many different ways to talk (accents, tone, rhythm, language, cadence, etc.), yet none of these things will aid in communication nearly as much as doing exactly the opposite of talking.

Listening, TRULY listening, will improve relationship with people, and will give your words more weight when it is your turn to speak.

Business is no exception!

You are a professional! Therefore, you want your clients to trust you to do your job, and do it well. What better way to gain someone's trust than to make them feel truly heard?

When a client asks to use your services, how can you expect to truly fulfill their needs and expectations if you don't know what they are? When you take the time to listen, to ask the necessary questions, and get deeper into what their dreams and goals are, then you will be able to go beyond their expectations and not only help them reach their short-term goals, but also give them a solid step toward their long-term goals as well. Chances are, when they are in need of such services again, you will be the one getting the call!

Even if a job is only a one-time gig, you can be certain that they will be recommending your services to their own friends and associates.

The last few years have polarized people in many different ways, all over the world. As a professional, a colleague, a friend, and simply a person, if you want to be a part of the solution, then the first step is to listen. It's easy to tell people what is right and what to believe about things that you feel knowledgeable about. However, if someone else wants to do the same to you, and you stay quiet and earnestly try to understand their thoughts and opinions and show them respect, the fire of argument is gone and respectful conversation can proceed. You may not reach full agreement, but you have more chance of reaching consensus, and that is critical in all relationships, but especially business relationships.

So I encourage anyone who reads this to take the time to hear your clients, and if you are the one hiring someone, the same principle applies. They do this for a living, so their insight should be valued, not cast aside.

Let's start turning things around in the business world. Let's establish a stronger culture of respectful conversation and proper understanding.

Let's listen to each other!