There is a skill that is so important, that you must know about. It is a skill that is completely overlooked in the academic world. Yet, it is a skill used almost daily by just about every profession. If you are in business development or technology, then you have certainly used this skill. If you have ever tried to sell an idea to somebody, then you have used this skill. If you have ever tried to keep people’s undivided attention, then you have used this skill. Are you wondering what skill I am talking about? I’ll tell you in a minute. Some folks have become very good at this skill. As a result, they have become very successful. They have been able to convince crowds to listen closely. In fact, if you want somebody to immediately focus on something, this is the skill to master. If you want people to listen to every word you say, this is the skill to master. If you want people to read through your website and buy things, then this is the skill to master. By now, you are probably thinking, “Okay, enough already! What is this skill?” If you have read to this point, then you have just experienced somebody using this skill on you. Do you want to know what the skill is I am talking about? Okay. Here it is…
The skill is the ability to build curiosity. When people are curious, they are open. You cannot be pushing something away at the same time you are curious about it. This is powerful when you meet people who are resistant or unapproachable. Curiosity is the nutcracker. It can make the most stubborn turtle come out of it’s shell. That tough customer or manager that keeps saying “No.” to everything…make him or her curious. You will watch that “No.” turn into “Oh?” Building curiosity and learning how to manage it, is a skill. Be sure it is in your tool box.
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About The Author:
Brad Beiermann is a nationally recognized technology executive, author, and speaker with specialization in e-commerce, Agile, mobile, and start-ups such as Cimstrat.com, ProfessorString.com, HienoteDirectory.com, and others. He has considerable experience as a digital technology management consultant with Fortune 500 companies and the entrepreneurial community. He can be reached at bradb at cimstrat dot com.
