OPEN MINDED VS CLOSED MINDED

Closed-minded people:
- Don’t want their ideas challenged.
- Don’t ask questions, they would rather do the talking.
- Are not interested in your perspective – they want you to understand theirs.
- Make believe that they are open-minded by saying “I could be wrong, but this is my opinion.”
- Like to dominate a conversation.
- Often lack a sense of humility.
Open-minded people:
- Understand that there may be another point of view.
- Ask questions that help them better understand.
- Are willing to look at something through others’ eyes.
- Know when to ask a questions and when to make a statement.
- Are more interested in listening than in speaking.
- Are willing to admit that they may be wrong.
Whether you are at a networking meeting (should be attending a “give working meeting”) or calling on a prospect, these characteristics will tell you how much time you should spend with people. The art of “reading people”, that is being able to identify their potential as a client, a referral source or even a friend is an important discipline that all small business owners need to possess.
Take an internal look. Are you open-minded when you meet other people?
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Tips & Advice by Nick Petra, CFP – Founder of Strategic Duck and BizQuack
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