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Humanize your pitch – use your ears!

September 9, 2009 · 3 Comments

bigears85771531_44de825632_mThe current issue of Entrepreneur Magazine (September 2009, page 30) makes a great point about “pitching.” The piece, by Michael Port reminds us to “focus less on making your pitch and more on listening to what your customers need.” While this article is geared toward sales people and entrepreneurs, I think this message is equally important for job seekers!

Port points to Daniel Goleman’s work that indicates “your ability to sell depends, in large part, on your self-awareness and social savvy.” So, too, with job seekers. Even a degree from a prestigious university won’t matter if you don’t make a point to connect with your target audience (in this case, potential employers) on an emotional/social level.

Port’s advice? Throw out the “pitch” and focus on being a good listener. He suggests, “…study your self-presentation so you can foster credibility, trust and customer confidence.” Translate “customer confidence” to “hiring manager confidence,” and this advice is timely and crucial for job seekers.

Yes – it is a competitive market. Yesterday, I wrote about how to stand out in a sea of sameness. Today’s tip offers yet another way to stand out. Instead of focusing on YOU – what you want, what you offer – start listening. Ask questions. Be the candidate who connects on an emotional level with your audience. There’s nothing that people like better than someone who seems interested in THEM – it’s human nature. Be the one who listens first and answers based on what you learn. You may be surprised by how well this technique works!

Learn how I can help you propel your search forward.

photo by cindy47452

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Article by Miriam Salpeter

Are you a job seeker or small business owner? You’ve come to the right place. Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success and 100 Conversations for Career Success is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter." An expert source for CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other media outlets, she offers cutting-edge information on the latest trends to help you succeed. Miriam is an in-demand writer, speaker and coach for small business owners and job seekers. Let's get this done!

 

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