A.S.K. For Better Time Optimization
David Buck
| Time Management Expert | Revenue Catalyst | Driving Success through Strategic Planning & Execution | Author of "The Time-Optimized Life" |
Early in my sales career it was hammered into me that I needed to know the products I represented. Lacking knowledge of the features and benefits opens you to risk when being in front of a buyer. You need to be the subject matter expert about your product (or service) to demonstrate confidence to prospects and clients.?
Along the way, it was easy to focus on the presentation and not the customer. Many a time I was so intent on “vomiting” the information to the person across the table that I failed to pay attention to their needs, concentrating on my own. Many I time I came away from a meeting proud of what I said only to wonder later why I didn’t get the sale. Part of it could have been my failure to ask.
In our fast-paced professional world, we often find ourselves rushing through conversations, missing crucial details, and ultimately spending more time fixing misunderstandings than if we had listened properly in the first place. The solution? Learning to A.S.K. This simple yet powerful acronym can transform how you listen and communicate, leading to increased productivity and better relationships at work, and more quality time in your life.
Acknowledge with Intent
The first step in better listening is to fully acknowledge the speaker and their message. I am very mindful to do as much or more research on my audience today. Why? I want to lead with questions.
Whether remote or onsite, being active and presence in the moment, setting aside your device and turning away from your computer screen shows the other party you care about them and their need. When you demonstrate this level of attention, speakers naturally become more concise and focused, saving valuable time.
Allow yourself to create mental space by postponing internal dialogue about solutions or responses until the speaker has finished. This prevents the common pitfall of jumping to formulating responses while missing key information.
Using verbal and non-verbal cues thoughtfully to show engagement without interrupting the flow of conversation. A well-timed “I see” or thoughtful nod can encourage speakers to get to their point more efficiently.
Want to read the rest? Click below.
Featured Free Resource - take the Procrastination Time Management Analysis (PTA)
David Buck is the author of the book The Time-Optimized Life, coauthor of The Retirement Collective, and owner of Kairos (Time) Management Solutions, LLC. Learn how to apply the concepts of proactively planning and using your time. Take the Time Management Analysis (TMA), the Retirement Time Analysis (RTA), or all the other free resources offered to help bring more quality time into your life.
Get more resources to improve your use of time.
Helping Families & Business Owners Build, Protect & Create Generational Wealth | Financial Educator & Mentor
6 天前I concur! How can I expect to serve my customer fully if I don't ask good questions? Maybe what they think they want won't meet their needs. It happens.
Experienced business development professional clinical research Phase I to Phase IV.
6 天前Informative and useful post. Thanks ??
Take the TMA and get a good understanding of your time opportunities. https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/tma
Take the Distraction Time Management Analysis (DTA) https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/dta
Download Chapter 1 https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/get-chapter-1/