I’ve been dismissed immediately by people on almost any topic I can think of. Even though I’ve never met anyone who bragged about being close minded, we almost take pride in closing topics of discussion without any sound reason.

Let me make that point even clearer; I’m no better.

For whatever reason, there are conversations that I’ll work very hard to end as quickly as they start. Without justifying my attitude in this regard I’ll simply say that sometimes getting into it can be farther off my radar than the topic itself.

Knowing that I have a shutoff mechanism on certain topics enables me to listen more intently to the people I speak with. Part of knowing how I can personally help someone begins with what they consider help.

It isn’t necessary to go into the details of social marketing with someone who exhibits antisocial behavior. Even if they are just hesitant to talk openly in social situations, a range of topics becomes unapproachable.

Having said that, the conversation needn’t stop, provided we continue to listen, because eventually people will reveal some way in which we can impact their lives.

Either from the perspective of a business leader who knows different ways for people to achieve their goals, or from an understanding that beneath the ground swell of network marketing are a range of companies with the finest goods available on the planet.

When I listen long enough, I’ll hear the right thing to say.