Lend an EarIt's important to let people you're talking to know you really heard them.

Here are some techniques you can use:

• Don't just nod your head--ask pertinent questions thatallow the talker to expand on or clarify what he or she issaying.
• Resist the natural temptation to make your point while theother person is still making theirs. If you're busy thinkingabout what you're going to say next, you're probably notreally listening.
• If it's appropriate, take notes. This physicallydemonstrates that you're paying attention.
• If follow-up attention is required, don't forget to do soin a timely manner.

Finally, it may help to think of it this way: Listening issomething you do for yourself; hearing is something you do for theother person.

Excerpted fromGet Smart: 365 Tips To Boost YourEntrepreneurial IQ