I was scanning some magazines that I had piled in the corner and came across an interview with the TV Personality and Broadcast journalist Barbara Walters

Barbara was asked the question what made her a great interviewer and she responded with the following three points

1. Don’t PRESSURE. If you’re talking to someone intrusively and you make them feel pressured – they will clam-up, stone-wall, freeze you out in less than 3 seconds.

2. Don’t ask the typical BORING QUESTIONS that other reporters would ask. Do your research and find the little piece of information that is a hot button or connects a common interest.

3. Make people FEEL. Ask the tough questions with respect.

It got me to thinking how her 3 points are so relevant to the approach we must take as we connect with clients around the world.

What Are You Doing With Your Customers?

Are you being boring?
Are you asking what you should already know?
Are you prepping for your meeting and researching?
Are you talking too much and not listening enough?
Do you know the hot buttons or common interests of your customers?

All great tips from an extraordinaire communicator……..

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