Are we really listening?

I've been thinking about this a lot this week.

I have been reading a lot of blogs from other people this week from my business contacts. I am proud to say my list of contacts is getting pretty long.   I"ve been reading other professionals advice and trying to find ways to incorporate this into my business.

Do we really listen?

I think it's rude to pull up to a driveup window and be talking on my cell phone. I want the person to know they have my full attention and I have theirs.

I think it's rude to pay for items in a grocery store while talking on my cell phone. Same reason. I want the person waiting on me to feel important and I want to return their service with kindness.

1) I read some horrible reviews about a local business here close to me. There were 5 comments made about this company and all said the same thing. The business owner was difficult to work with and just basically didn't listen to their requests. After their order got messed up the business owner blamed the customer each time. The sixth review was moderate, but I still got the feeling that things didfn't go entirely right.
2) I read a friends post on facebook about her sister's experience with a wedding rental company. (And secretly wishing she would have called me instead) They had a mixup with some table linens because the wedding planner thought she knew what the bride needed NOT want she ordered.

Have you ever walked into a fast food restaurant and asked for a #1 Value Meal with Large fries and a Diet Coke and have the person behind the counter stare at you like a deer in headlights?

I have two young boys and every day I hear from them "I didn't hear you say that." Usually when someone answers you then you, the speaker, assume that they hear you. I don't think all the time I say things in my mind and not out loud.

My youngest son just started t-ball and they had their first "game" tonight. Some kids where running circles around the base, staring up at the sky or digging in the dirt. When the coach would say their name "Timmy, throw the ball to first base." They acted like they didn't even know their own name. Then they would throw the ball to home plate instead. Now granted they are only 4&5 years old, but the coaches looked really frustrated when they spoke and seemed to go unheard.

In your personal life do you feel like you have become "invisible" because no one seems to hear you?.I don't know if I am the only one.

But, on a more positive note. I am charged up about my business. I feel like my business is going to the next level. At least three times this week I was afraid to ask someone something, but went ahead and asked anyway and I got a positive response all three times!!

So my goal for my business is to really listen. Now, I may not always be able to say yest to everything, but at least I am learning how to listen and be assertive. I don't want to be one of those companies that has 5 bad reviews because I just didn't listen.

Are we really listening?