Everyone has an opinion on what the most important factor that will determine your success no matter what you do in life.
An investor will tell you it’s having access to the right information. An advertising agency will tell you it’s the brand. A Human Resource specialist will tell you it’s people.
They are all important, but there’s ONE factor which permeates through everything … and if you don’t do it well, you simply will come unstuck somewhere along the way.
This is the skill of LISTENING.
Too many people think they know it all and as a result ignore any input that comes their way whether it’s a piece of advice, an opinion, a perception and most importantly, an industry trend.
That’s a BIG mistake!
Opinions, experience and perceptions rule the world. They are what determine the next fad, the direction of a market, and the way people react.
Of course, many of the comments (opinions, perceptions etc) you get will be wrong. That is where you need to do your own assessment and see if what has been conveyed is good or bad for you.
Of course, you can’t do this if you aren’t LISTENING… because that is the starting point for what you need to do next.
The most innovative business builders, the best solution providers, and the best sales people are all good listeners.
You need to listen to what your prospect, your client, your market etc is saying BEFORE you can formulate a strategy.