It seems that many conversations engage the one general question, where are you from? It is a great way to open up the discussion and to learn more about the person we are speaking with. It’s an easy question and generally a safe one. The answer can be interesting, informative and at times amusing. Still, would we be better served changing the context of this approach?
A different approach (and at times more difficult) is, where are you going? I try to build this into my conversations both at work and at home and find the responses to be interesting. From clear and precise answers to “what do you mean?” I have heard a full range of resposes to this query. Still, it generally provides insight and an opportunity to build a conversation and understanding.
Good sales people do this intuitively. Others don’t and are surprised when they lose a contract and/ or are left holding unpaid invoices. To better understand where our clients are going is to better understand where we ourselves are headed.
