Chris Gloss, Speaker, Trainer, Coach & Author (www.chrisgloss.com) wrote:

Want to know the easiest way to make a meaningful connection with others, quickly?   Well, there's a very simple formula that's been tried, tested and proven for hundreds of years and it is possibly the most effective skill for making a connection with anyone you meet.  That one very powerful, yet often devalued, skill, is to simply become a better listener.  The key to becoming a better listener lies in being able to engage others in their favorite topic of conversation and the great thing is that just about everyone on the planet has the same favorite topic --  let's call it the "me" conversation.  People love to talk about themselves!  Their interest, their family, their business, their dreams.  All you need to do is get others talking about themselves and they will reveal everything you need, to make a strong connection, in a short period of time. 

The fact is that everyone loves a good listener, as listening builds trust and rapport.  You will come across as the greatest communicator on the planet, without ever having really uttered too many words.  Employ the 80/20 rule to the next conversation you have.  Diligently listen 80% of the time and speak, only, 20% of the time.  Also key here, is that the majority of your 20% should be spent asking questions, so you can better understand their wants, needs and desires. People love to connect with people they feel have a genuine desire to understand them.  Asking questions, then intently listening, also gives you the advantage because you understand how you can meet a need the other person may have. 

Always remember that when seeking to make a powerful lasting connection you must begin  with this question in mind; "How can I add value to their business or life?"  The most efficient way to make a connection in 15 minutes or less is to uncover the answer to that question and the only way to do so is applying the 80/20 rule. The more you practice this technique, the more effective you will become and the results are sure to follow!  

Donna Willard, Managing Director of eWomen Network of Atlanta (www.ewomennetwork.com) shared:

Interactions lead to transactions through giving first and sharing always. Our philosophy at eWomenNetwork is "Give First, Share Always."  The lasting effect or mental image while connecting is everything.  When
making conversation with a new connection, do you give your listening ear or are you thinking what to say next?  If you answered that you truly listen then that position is strategically vital in gaining access
to and controlling a larger destination.  Women especially get this personal relationship key point in networking with one another.  The first thing noticed is that there is genuine interest in the listening.
In other words, give by putting others first.  Could a feeling of panic to get that all important lead change the course of the day?  Would putting priorities in order first thing really make that much of an impact? Personally, spending time each day asking God to put me in a place of grace can mean the difference in an entire day striving to do things my way and getting no where. Research has shown that a person makes a decision within seconds to go forward with an individual for business or personal reasons.  Does that mean that a deal is closed that quickly?  More often than not an interaction has been made that depending on listening skills could determine a transaction. Good listening means being able to ask qualifying questions which builds the right relationship for business.  Giving first and sharing always is the unique style of building relationships associated with eWomenNetwork across all the 113 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Along with the proper priorities one may certainly expect to advance toward the goal of making that right connection.