I want to talk about asking questions. Specifically, I want to talk about how we ask questions. I know that I’ve talked about getting specific with your questions before. But I wanted to build on the point with more detail, just to make sure you’re getting it.
When you’re running a fashion business, no matter the stage, you have questions. Lots of them. There’s always something new to learn that makes asking questions a daily occurrence. Which means you need to get good at how you ask questions.
I see this a lot– questions asked without much thought put into how they’re being asked. The end result is that the one asking is left feeling like they’re not really getting the help they need.
But here’s the thing . . .
If you’re not getting clear answers, you’re probably not asking clear questions.
Here are some of the common question-asking techniques I see that don’t work:
- Long, run-on, explanations preceding the question. The listener is either bored, confused or out of time by the time you get to the question.
- Laying out what you think the answer is in the question. Think of this as leading the witness type stuff like, “Don’t you think we should do it this way?”
Here’s how to ask questions the right way:
Keep it short and specific.
That’s it.
I know, you’re thinking that there is almost always an explanation you need to share before your question. You need to communicate the scenario. You need to make sure the person has all the facts.
I’m telling you that won’t work.
When you have the attention of someone who can help you, that person is most likely busy. They have a business of their own to run. And while they are happy to spare some of that time for a fellow entrepreneur, they expect thoughtfulness.
Listen to this . . .
I pitched my line to four stores. The one I really want hasn’t gotten back to me, and it’s been weeks. I’ve followed up a few times but I’n still met with silence. I’m going to keep trying, but in the meantime one of the other boutiques I pitched is interested but they only want to start with carrying a few pieces of the collection AND they are only 6 blocks away from the boutique I really want. I kind of feel like I need to hold off and keep going after the first store because I know that my collection will sell so well there. This other store is not as much of my target market, but who knows, it could still be good. Do you think I should just do that? I mean, skip the second store and keep going after the first?
OR
Should I sell to two boutiques within a mile of another, risking the possibility that I could lose one?
And then be quiet. Let the person you’re asking say their piece. They will likely offer you some points to weigh and scenarios to consider and share what they would do (or have done) if they were in your situation.
You should never “feel bad” that you have a million questions when it comes to your business. We all do. That’s why communities exist, so that everyone can help each other by answering questions. But just because it is expected that you will have questions, doesn’t mean that you’ll get the answers you’re looking for.
And one major thing you can do to increase the chances that you will, is to practice the art of asking questions in a way that makes it as easy as possible for people to give you answers.
Lots of love and encouragement,
