As direct marketers, Alpha Innova understands the importance of valuable connections through conversation. Here, the firm has revealed the 10 steps to having better conversations.

Alpha Innova connects with consumers on a daily basis through face-to-face conversations. As a direct marketing firm, Alpha Innova specialises in personalised communications in order to create lasting business relationships between brand and consumer. To do so, the firm tries to truly get to know and understand individual consumers in order to provide them with the most suitable product or service for them. This involves having conversations with consumers that form valuable connections.

Number one: Don’t multitask

Alpha Innova says that this means being present in the moment. Individuals must not think about anything else they need to do that day and just be focused on the present conversation. 

Number two: Don’t preach 

“If you want to state your opinion without any opportunity for response or argument or pushback or growth, write a blog,” states Alpha Innova. The firm believes it is important not to preach to their consumers about how amazing their products are. It is important to listen to what it is the consumer desires and then make suggestions and allow for their reactions to these suggestions.

Number three: Use open-ended questions

Use questions that start with who, what, when, where, why or how. One-worded answers do not provide any real information about the consumer or how a product can help them, offers Alpha Innova.

Number four: Go with the flow

Alpha Innova states, “Just because a thought or a question enters your mind does not mean you have to say it out load immediately. Listen to what the consumer is saying and if the question you have thought of fits, then ask it. However, if it doesn’t let it go, otherwise it seems like you have not been listening.”

Number five: If you don’t know, say that you don’t know

Alpha Innova says that there is no point in lying to consumers, they will see right through this. The firm suggests being honest. “If you don’t know the answer to a question, offer to go away and find out for the consumer.”

Number six: Don’t equate your experience with theirs

“All experiences are individual and more importantly, it’s not about you. Don’t compare your situation to theirs because it will never be the same,” highlights Alpha Innova. Conversations should not be a promotional opportunity states the firm.

Number seven: Try not to repeat yourself

People tend to take their point and rephrase it over and over, Alpha Innova says that this is very boring and condescending and will lose the attention of the consumer almost immediately.

Number eight: Stay out of the weeds

People don’t really care about the names, the dates and all those details that are hard to remember about a product, points out Alpha Innova. The firm believes that people are interested in having a connection with sales representatives; they care about what the business is like and shared interests.

Number nine: Listen

Listening is perhaps the most important conversational skill a person could develop, outlines Alpha Innova. “Listening to the consumer will tell you everything you need to know about what product will suit them best.”

Number 10: Be brief

“A good conversation should be short enough to retain interest but long enough to cover the subject,” outlines Alpha Innova.