The most successful entrepreneurs work from a position of influence, leveraging their knowledge and skills to arrive at the desired business outcome. According to business performance expert Ryan Estis, influential people take pride in disrupting the status quo, are willing to take risks and are always in search of better ways to do business.
One way to accomplish all three of those things is to rethink how you ask questions.
As you search for better ways to do business, using open-ended questions yields better results. That’s because open-ended questions let you to initiate meaningful dialogue with your clients and better communicate your company’s niche – the unique value proposition you present to your client.
Here are a few examples of open-ended questions that you can use when talking to clients that will likely increase engagement and better solicit meaningful feedback to help move the needle for your company.
1.) What do you like to do when you’re not working?
2.) What would make you happy about purchasing this product?
3.) What would a successful purchasing process feel like for you?
4.) Do you like the product? And why or why not?
5.) What can I do differently to make my product more valuable to you?
Ask questions that begin with “why” or “what can I do better” in order to avoid resistance. Remember, you want your conversation to lead to a place of commitment so ask genuine questions, listen intently, then act effectively. To learn more from Ryan about open-ended questions, watch this video.
Ryan Estis on Influence from Ryan Estis on Vimeo.
