1 Word (that CHANGES Everything)
Have you ever been faced with a fantastic question from someone, but it’s a loaded question, leaving you in a bit of a dilemma? I’ve come to affectionately call this little conundrum the “Information Booth” game. Let me break it down for you…
Picture this: You’re a web designer, and someone pops the question, “What’s better, WordPress or Squarespace?” It’s a classic case of a loaded question. Now, imagine you’re a doula, and you’re hit with, “Should I have the baby in a birthing center, at home, or in the hospital?” Loaded question, right? Or perhaps you’re a business coach and someone asks, “Should I do affiliate marketing or start a membership?” That’s yet another loaded question.
The interesting part is, each of these questions is a gem. The person asking isn’t trying to take you for a ride; they genuinely need answers. But here’s the twist — people, even the super-smart ones, can be downright dreadful at asking questions.
Now, here’s the deal: Being the go-to person someone trusts to ask a question is an absolute honor. You should cherish it. However, there are a couple of things to mull over before you dive headfirst into an answer.
Here’s the kicker:
Networking is fantastic; it’s the gateway to communication and genuine connections. But, when someone casually drops the “I have a quick question…” line, and it’s anything but quick…
That’s where the plot thickens.
But guess what? It’s also a moment brimming with opportunity. You know your stuff, and you could talk about it all day. You’re the expert, after all! Yet, here’s my little nugget of wisdom: Before you launch into your next TED talk, try this ONE WORD.
The magic word? “Specifically.”
You see, “specifically” is like the key that can turn a loaded and not-so-simple question into your next customer. It’s that tool in your arsenal that helps you navigate these intriguing situations.
So, I always make sure to stress the importance of asking for more specific information before I jump into answering. It’s like nudging the person asking the question to give me the nitty-gritty details. This way, I can offer a response that’s right on the money, addressing exactly what they need.
I’ve learned not to rush into answering with a broad, one-size-fits-all response. It’s like trying to put a square peg in a round hole — it just won’t fit. Instead, I take a moment to figure out if my answer might end up making things more confusing. I don’t want to be that source of bewilderment!
You know, some questions are like unraveling a mystery. They demand time and effort, especially when they’re as broad as a highway. I’ve got to be aware of how much effort I’m willing to put into giving a really thorough response.
The thing is, when I answer, it’s often just the start of a conversation. I might get follow-up questions, and it’s like peeling back the layers of an onion. I’ve got to be ready for that, even if it means a few extra rounds of Q&A.
I used to think some questions were, well, a bit “dumb.” But now I see them as opportunities to connect. Every question is a chance to build a relationship, to get to know someone better, and who knows, they could become a valuable contact in the future.
You see, some questions are like a puzzle with many pieces. I try to get the full picture before giving my two cents. It’s like stepping back and looking at the whole canvas before I start painting.
I always remind myself that the people asking these questions could be potential clients or collaborators. So, treating them with kindness and respect is a no-brainer. They’re good folks, and I’m here to help them out.
And if this feels hard then we should hang out: www.reneehribar.co/training
