Comments on: The Best Business Secret That You Already Know

By: SOB Business Cafe 05-25-08 - Liz Strauss at Successful Blog - Thinking, writing, business ideas . . . You’re only a stranger once.

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:04:08 +0000

[...] The Best Business Secret That You Already Know [...]

By: Freak-Log™ #12 — Freak Group

Freak-Log™ #12 — Freak Group — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:30:28 +0000

[...] The Best Business Secret That You Already Know por Freelance Folder [...]

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 18 May 2008 11:42:10 +0000

I’m listening, I’m listening! Great article Laura. How true this is, even aside from business…all too often people are far happier talking about themselves, but you learn so much more by listening! In the case of business, being a great listener and understanding the customers requirements fully can be financially rewarding and create repeat custom.

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:26:04 +0000

Hi Shawn and Zakman!

Shawn – I’m glad that you enjoyed the post. The fear that you express of asking too many questions is, I think, common for freelancers.

Zakman – The point was to listen first (and with a purpose), rather than just launching into some spiel that’s comfortable for you. If they don’t tell you what you need, then of course you need to ask it. From the article:

“If you can’t hear the answer to these questions in what the customer is saying, then (and only then) you will have to ask the questions directly to the customer.”

However, you will have listened to the client before asking questions, which is more than a lot of freelancers do.

By: Zakman

Zakman — Sat, 17 May 2008 12:21:10 +0000

Quote: “By taking the time to really listen to your customer, not only are you letting them know that you value them, you are also much more likely to deliver what they had in mind for the project. ”

Thanks Laura, for this insightful post, but I’m just wondering how articulate the customer really can be. It’s very likely that they’re highly passionate about their product or services (and their ego/self-esteem), and most likely they will try to pull you, the freelancer, down their road.

And more often than not, you’re also likely to recognize it when you listen. And suppose you think it’s all hot air, as an experienced writer, do you also talk back at the risk of losing them?

By: Shawn Norris

Shawn Norris — Sat, 17 May 2008 08:09:44 +0000

“As freelancers, we talk too much.” And sometimes we don’t talk enough. When I started freelancing, I was afraid that if I asked too many questions, my customer would think that I didn’t know what I was doing.

Great post.