Often comments that readers send me reveal underlying issues.
I’d like to share a recent exchange of comments today, because the issue revealed here may be relevant for many of you:
Here is the first comment I got:
“I am a NEW realtor in a new area where I don’t know anyone, I have no friends or family in the area…How am I suppose to build my business through networking?”
So I sent her information on how to get established both professionally and socially in a new area, as well as information on how to ease her way into existing professional circles.
A few days later, I followed up to see whether the information I’d sent was useful. She replied as follows:
“Hi Sri, yes I have read through the 5 lessons of Effortless Networking, but I need to go over them again, I’ve been so busy lately…and hopefully will try to do that today… I did’nt really notice any ideas or suggestions that would increase my “network” locally…but I will read through them again, maybe I missed something.
thank you for your help.”
I replied saying that I had actually sent her a separate email with specific answers to her questions.
And in case she hadn’t received it or had misplaced it, I re-sent the same information along with some book recommendations.
I also offered to talk by phone (at no charge), if that would be useful.
The next email I got was this:
“too many e-mails that were not helping me in my specific situation to networking (finding New Clients without having to do cold calls), in a new area where I don’t know anyone, have no family or friends out here…”
Well, I feel bad for this person — because she really wanted some answers and I was willing to help her find them. But we couldn’t connect.
Why am I sharing this story?
So that before you ask anyone for information, you can consider this:
- What is your preferred way of getting information? For instance, in writing, verbally, visually?
- How best do you absorb information? By reading, by doing, by listening?
For instance, I “absorb” information — like learning how to implement a new marketing strategy, or use a new software tool — by actually trying it out hands-on. Having written instructions is useful, but I don’t really understand what I’ve read until I actually use it.
And when I get stuck, I find that talking about it with a live person (by phone or online chat) is what really helps me. Reading manuals and online help when I can’t figure something out irritates me, and makes the problem worse!
My point is this: when you’re looking for information, or to learn about something new,
- Consider how YOU absorb and understand information.
- Then, make sure you get the information in THAT format.
Otherwise, you may not be able to use it — even if the information you get is exactly what you want and need.
The manner in which I learn & absorb info has definitey changed. I used to be able to multi-task & still learn. Not anymore, now I concentrate & sometimes take notes. I also have discovered that I do better reading something – seeing it visually in front of my eyes. Unfortunately this great discovery came as I was listening to an audio tape. This has perhaps surprisingly been beneficial professisonally. I co-own a retained executive search firm and do my own sourcing as well as client work etc. I enjoy the entire process and am very good at it. perhaps I am also something of a control freak. But this newer way of learning has caused me to really listen to what candidates say, for example, & to take notes. Later I will discuss with the candidates as well. I have since been told that this conveys a sense of really being listened to & being heard. We also always use a Q&A from the Hiring Manager with each new search. Great results!
Sondra,
What a great example — thanks so much for sharing! It’s quite amazing how paying attention to “simple” things like understanding how you absorb information, can help your business in very concrete ways. I hope other readers are inspired by your story.
– Sri