Voices In Your Head

The voices in your head – is that what you’re hearing when it’s completely different from what someone thinks he said? Well, sort of.

In this post I used the example of hearing the influence of a salesperson when you’re buying a camera.

But what if your mind doesn’t hear what the MalWart Electronics Department Sales Consultant (kid who knows computers) thinks he said? He may be pretty sure he suggested a better camera for you. So let’s look at two versions of him, and see what you might have heard.

First, let’s look at Mr. Kid 1.0, who said exactly this: “Cool little camera there, man. Course if you want better pics indoors at night, maybe do a little video, this one does way better.” And he shows you a $158 price tag instead of the $99 model in your hand.

But if you see the Sharpie sketches on his tattered shoes and the flames tattooed on his unshaven neck, you may filter what he says through your prejudices. Then you’ll hear him saying, “Get out my store geezer…you don’t know a megapixel from Megadeth.”

Now Mr. Kid 2.0 could say the same line, recommend the same camera. But – he’s wearing a rather hip dress shirt and tie, and swaggers as he walks away. You’ll filter that through your expectations, and hear, “Sucker. I can upsell you and double my commission in ten seconds flat.”

Either version, you haven’t heard what was said, because of what was going on in your head. That’s the part you can work on. But what can Mr. Kid 1.0 and Mr. Kid 2.0 do to be heard?

If they really want to communicate clearly, they can minimize what gets in the way. For Kid 1.0, that’s as simple as dressing the part people expect of an electronics professional. Think of it as a shortcut to getting on the same page as your customers.

Kid 2.0 has the same problem, it’s just not as obvious. He has to convince you he wants the same thing you do – the best camera for you. That means taking time to listen, and telling you what’s right about better ones and cheaper ones.

Both ways, you have a better chance of hearing the voices in your ear, rather than the voices in your head.

Of course, sometimes the voices in your head are right. Aren't they?
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