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This month's e-Newsletter highlights:
The Marketing Co-op's e-Newsletter is produced by Breeze Hill Publishing. This
month's edition is presented by: Featured
Columnist:
Speak from the Heart: Chapter 7 – Listen Up: What’s In It For You? Although the barriers to good listening are many, the benefits of being a good listener are considerable. Good listening is at the core of good communication in all aspects of life. It is the basis on which we strengthen business and personal relationships. It is the heart of communication that says to another person, “I care about what you are saying. I think you and your words have value.” When you learn how to really listen here are just a few of the benefits you can look forward to:
• Better use of time. Sometimes people in my seminars have said to me that becoming a better listener is really difficult because “I don’t have the time to do it.” They protest, “I don’t have the time to let long-winded people go on and on.” Or, “I don’t have the time to practice paraphrasing techniques or seek clarification by asking, ‘Is this what you mean?’” I say, “Do you have time for all the things you have to do to correct all the mistakes cause by miscommunication?” That’s the real waste of time. • Improved ability to persuade, motivate, influence, and connect with other people. Every time I go into a situation looking to do all the talking and quickly convince someone of my point, I end up feeling dissatisfied and disappointed. Conversely, every time I hold back a little bit and work harder at listening to the other person and asking questions that will draw the person out, the conversation becomes more focused and more interactive and the results are better. Consider this example: I recently went to a store to buy a treadmill. The salesperson gave a very long and detailed presentation on their “top-of-the-line” model. When he finally finished, I explained what I wanted. “Oh,” he said, “Why didn’t you say so? That model is right over here.” We both could have saved a lot of time if he had thought to listen before he jumped into his sales pitch. When you listen first, the person you’re speaking to will genuinely feel part of the conversation. Then you can focus what you’re saying based on the person’s interest and needs so you both take away something of value. This is true in sales situations, but also of dinner conversations, group meetings, and even public presentations. • Greater productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Countless mistakes are made in the workplace because of poor listening. People run off to do a job based on what they thought they were told to do—when in fact, they completely misunderstood the directions. A common argument heard every day in every kind of business begins with: “That’s not what I told you to do!” “Yes it is!” You’ll quickly find that things get done better and faster when you improve your listening skills, because good listening requires everyone to clarify what is heard and compare it to what is meant (see Chapter * for the details!). Richard Carlson, author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Business, makes a strong case in favor of developing listening skills when he says, “In my opinion, it [listening] is one of the most important ingredients for success in virtually all aspects of life—personal and professional. Unfortunately, for many of us, it’s also one of our greatest weaknesses. Yet the slightest improvement in our listening skills can pay enormous dividend in the way of better relationships and enhanced performance. From SPEAK FROM THE HEART by Steve Adubuto. Copyright (c) 2002 by Steve Adubuto. Published by arrangement with The Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., NY. Click here to return to the top of the page Member
Spotlight:
Dr. Stephen H. Sunshine has spent his 30-plus year career building a reputation for high-quality dental care with an unwavering commitment to his patients and his craft. A Temple University graduate, Dr. Sunshine has dedicated himself to establishing a high-tech, high-comfort dental practice and to providing top-notch dentistry that will give you something to smile about. The office staff is more than competent with a knowledgeable, friendly and caring demeanor, making your dental experience a pleasurable one. From the simplest to the most complex dental procedures and services, Dr. Sunshine’s state-of-the-art advancements, combined with highly-skilled staff, ensure a dental experience that will leave you smiling. Dr. Sunshine takes pride in putting sunshine in your smile. The clean, spacious facility is conveniently located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey (2 blocks off Route 38, just moments away from the Cherry Hill Mall) and is easily accessible from most major highways. Sunshine Dental Associates, P.A. can be found on the web at: www.sunshinedentist.com Click here to return to the top of the page
Artist Spotlight
As a staff photographer at Sports Illustrated, Tielemans has chronicled athletes and events from around the world. Besides being featured weekly in SI, his work has been in other leading publications such as Maxim, FHM and THE FAN magazines. Tielemans was recently commissioned by the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles for a photo expose to be shown in their new $500 million stadium exploring "unity, diversity, teamwork and family" using football as the common thread. He has also has photographed the Eagles cheerleader calendar for the past four years. His photography is featured on The Marketing Co-op’s May Artistic Impressions postcard. More about Al Tielemans, his photographs and experiences can be found at www.altielemans.com. Click here to return to the top of the page Click here to return to the main Newsletter Archive page to access other newsletter issues. |
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Sunshine
Dental Associates, P.A.
