• • Focus on understanding, not selling: Shift your mindset from pushing a product to truly grasping the customer's challenges.

  • Listen attentively: Give the customer your full focus, both verbally and non-verbally. Make eye contact, avoid distractions, and show you're engaged.

  • Ask clarifying questions: Don't assume you understand everything. Use open-ended questions to get them talking and uncover their specific needs.

  • Summarize and paraphrase: Briefly repeat what you've heard to ensure you're on the same page.

TKey Steps to Active Listening

Be Present: Put away distractions like your phone and silence internal chatter. Fully focus on the speaker.

Nonverbal Cues: Maintain eye contact (not overly intense), face the speaker, and use attentive body language (nodding, leaning in slightly).

Verbal Engagement: Use short encouraging phrases like "yes," "uh-huh," or "I see" to show you're following along.

Ask Clarifying Questions: Don't just listen passively. Ask open-ended questions to delve deeper into their needs and avoid assumptions.

Reflect and Summarize: Briefly paraphrase what you've heard to confirm understanding. This clarifies any confusion and shows you're engaged.