How to get your customers attention

Common sense tells us that customers and co-workers won’t be receptive to you when they feel rushed or distracted. That means if your timing is off, people will resist your input. That’s why at the beginning of your interaction it’s important to get them to commit to being fully present. Start the conversation by asking customers about their timing. As I share in my seminars though, you need to be careful how you word your question. Avoid asking a negative question, “Are you in a hurry?” A negative question sets a negative tone. Similarly, avoid asking a naive question like, “Are you busy?” Everyone’s busy. A better way of getting the customer’s attention is to simply ask, “How’s your time – are we OK?” The wording is positive. And it’s asking more than just about time; but how they are overall in terms of being receptive.