C.H. Brown Co. - December 2023

Active Listening: The Key to Client Happiness

TASTY HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Effective communication is key to building trust, understanding client needs, and succeeding as a business. One of the most powerful communication skills at a broker’s disposal is active listening. This skill goes beyond just hearing words — it involves fully understanding, processing, and responding to what clients say. Here are five tips for brokers to improve their active listening skills and foster more meaningful client communication. Be Present To be an active listener, you must be fully present in the conversation. Eliminate distractions and give your client your undivided attention. This shows respect and allows you to absorb all the details of the call. We always advise you to listen first, then ask a question, then listen again, and again, and again. Maintain Eye Contact If you are talking with your client in person, eye contact is a non- verbal indicator that you’re engaged and attentive. It communicates that you are focused on the client’s words and value their perspective. However, be mindful not to make it uncomfortable — find a balance. Show Empathy Empathy is a huge part of active listening and allows you to understand and share the feelings of your clients. Try to put yourself in your client’s shoes to see the situation from their perspective. Respond with empathy, and you’ll create a strong connection. Use Open-Ended Questions Open-ended questions encourage clients to share more details and express themselves fully. Instead of asking yes/no questions, pose inquiries that require more thoughtful responses. This helps you gain deeper insight into their needs and preferences.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped • 4 tbsp butter

• 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.

Take a Break

Stay Silent When Needed Sometimes, the most powerful

moments of communication occur in silence. Allowing moments of reflection and pause in the conversation can give your client

space to think, and it can also indicate you are taking their words seriously.

By truly hearing and understanding your clients, you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs and build lasting, trust-based relationships. Active listening will help to set you on a path to success and client satisfaction.

CHIMNEY CHRISTMAS GIFTS IGLOO

MISTLETOE ORNAMENT PARKA REINDEER

SLEIGH SNOWMAN WREATH YULETIDE

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307-322-2545

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