One of the most basic skills is the ability to listen to what others have to say.  Listening for understanding takes significant effort. Here are some insights

1. Remain silent until the other person has finished making their point. After the other person stops speaking, ask for clarification with a question like “let me be sure that I understand what you are saying”, then paraphrase her words to be sure you have gotten your point accurately.

2. Be curious rather than defensive about a different point of view. Ask the other person to add more specifics about their comments and ask with genuine eagerness and excitement to learn more abut their ideas. You might say “Please, tell me more”. Or, you might say “That is a very interesting perspective, tell me more”.

3. Use both nonverbal and verbal cues to convey understanding. These might include gestures like nodding you head in agreement, leaning forward slightly as you listen, or verbal responses like “um hum” or “I understand”.

 4. Give the other person your full attention. Do not multi-task or let your mind wander.

 5. Don’t say “But”. The word but negates all that you have said.

Where are the Boomers  now? Everywhere! The youngest boomers are 45, the oldest are 63. They continue to be the single biggest population segment, 30%, of the population and spend about $750 billion annually, which is about 75% of all spending.
5 Key Trends
1.Many Boomers will work into their 70’s; pressures continue to raise retirement age beyond 65; Boomers face higher costs of living (fuel, gas, housing, food) and fear living beyond their retirement funds, if they have any. Boomers find more creative ways to stay productive, active and more involved in businesses, their families and communities.
2. Health is an increasing challenge which will affect lifestyles: Even though Boomers will live longer, studies show they are less healthy then preceding generations at the same age; the alarming obesity statistics, have implications relating to healthcare, but also furnishings, clothing, exercise, and physical activities of all kinds.
3. Instant Marketing: My definition of instant marketing is the decision your boomer customer makes to buy something during the lifestyle event that is happening right now in their life. Who influences that moment? A blog on the Internet? A google search? Your advertising? A friend, a family member? A positive or negative previous experience with your business?
4. Consumer Intelligence and Transparent Information: The Internet makes product launches instant, provides rapid feedback for performance and service, provides an immediate information resource.
5. Irritation and Indifference: There are so overwhelmingly many competitive choices, it’s no secret to Boomers when a brand underperforms. They might “fake loyalty for a time if the “real thing” isn’t available at the moment, but when the next fun, techy better performing thing comes along–they’re gone, no trace, no feedback.