Recently a friend told me about some upcoming plans she had.
A week or so later I asked her about those plans, she was surprised that I still knew about it and commented that I had a good memory.
The truth is that I have a decent memory but it’s not great.
I write things down so I don’t have to hold the information in my head (confirmed by David Allen – “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”)
I thought more about what she said and realized that it’s not really about having a good memory.
Because whether your memorize something or write it down, you first have to choose to pay attention to be able to capture it in the first place.
It’s really about paying attention. Deciding to give your focused attention to someone and really listen to what is said and felt.
Giving intense attention isn’t easy to do and I personally have a lot of work to do in this area. When I get excited about an idea during a conversation I tend to interrupt people.
It’s a process and a skill that takes time and effort to develop. And it’s worth it.
Why Attention Matters
Attention is serious currency.
Attention may even be more valuable than time. Because giving your time doesn’t necessarily ensure that you are giving your full attention.
But when you give your attention to someone, you can be sure you are making good use of your time.
“Simply paying attention allows us to build an emotional connection. Lacking attention, empathy hasn’t a chance.” Daniel Goleman
Attention requires that you listen actively.
Listen intently, with all of your heart.
And ask questions to gain a deeper understanding.
Attention requires that you are present in the moment and concentrating on the person who is in front of you.
Being present with someone creates connection. Building relationships is all about creating connections. And all business is based on relationships.
For more on being present and connection, check out my post: Want Marketing to Be Easier? Apply Mindfulness.
In a world where everyone is trying to get attention, be the one who is giving attention.
This applies to so many things in business. If you want more referrals, give more referrals. If you want to be more connected, spend more time connecting others.
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar.
Be generous, be helpful.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Simone Weil
Your attention is a precious gift that people appreciate. Everyone wants to feel heard.
“Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.” Jim Rohn
I hope you’re feeling inspired to be more conscious about your interactions with people and give your full attention to people you interact with.
© Stephanie Ward WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to create meaningful and prosperous businesses. Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: https://www.fireflycoaching.com.
What’s your experience with giving and receiving attention?
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