Aftermarket Insider Issue 82 - (Page 11)

toolbox INSIDER baCK TO basiCs Conversation in the Digital World volUME 82 Technology has facilitated an age of global communication, and is constantly evolving and finding new ways for us to connect. Yet despite these advances, face-to-face interaction is still considered to be the best foundation for building relationships. Unfortunately, our growing dependence in digital communication has lessened our amount of face-time, and it can be easy to forget some of the finer nuances in the art of conversation. Keep your social skills sharpened with these simple tips. The Art of Conversation Listen more than you talk. Ironically enough, the key to the art of conversation is not in the talking, but in the listening. Avoid conversational narcissism. Ask those you converse with interesting and thoughtful questions. People love to talk about themselves. Don’t ask what someone does and leave it at that. Ask them what the hardest part of their job is, how the future of their profession looks. Then ask follow-up questions to tease out more details. Act genuinely interested by focusing on who’s talking, nodding your head and adding “hmmm’s” and “uh-huh’s” at appropriate moments. Come to an occasion armed with topics at the ready. If you don’t know the people you will be conversing with, think about the things that will probably interest those you meet. Ask them about the unique aspects of their locale (“I saw an interesting statue on the way into town. What’s the story behind it?”), read up on the company they work for (“I hear you will be expanding into China soon — when will that be happening?”) and ask those who do know the others better for some background information. Tailor the conversation to the listener. It’s easy to say, “Don’t talk politics, sex or religion.” And when in any doubt, don’t. But a much better rule is simply to tailor your conversation topics to those with whom you are conversing. Talking about politics, religion and sex with new acquaintances can be awkward; arguing with the same buddies you’ve been arguing with for 10 years at your weekly poker night can be the highlight of the week. Talking about motorcycles in mixed company will bore half the room; not talking about them with your riding posse would be unthinkable. continued on page 12 AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 82 | 11

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 82

Aftermarket Insider Issue 82
Contents
President’s Message
Segment News
Essential Information
Company Profile
Government Affairs
Member Profile
Toolbox
Inside Technology
Software Piracy in the Aftermarket
Head of the Class
Market Intelligence

Aftermarket Insider Issue 82