We’ve all experienced that moment in a conversation when you realize your companion isn’t being “present” or truly listening to what we’re saying. Listening, the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages, is the bedrock of the communication process. Listening is so key to success many employers require training for their employees.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
~Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
In last month’s blog, we talked about how gratitude relates to running a jewelry store. This month’s question is how does being present and listening relate to making fine jewelry?
At Lake Street Diamond Company, listening so important to us, we include it in our tagline.
“Each piece of jewelry comes with a story. We take the time to listen.”
Lake Street Diamond Company Motto
Listening is Not the Same as Hearing
Listening is not a passive process. The listener should be as engaged in the process as the speaker. Being present in a conversation means being aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Your ability to listen effectively depends on your ability to interpret these messages.
Master Jeweler, Master Listener
For Vince Isaacson, Master Jeweler and Founder of Lake Street Diamond Company, listening is central to who he is. To quote him, “the best thing you can learn from business and people is how to listen. The more you listen, the more you know, the better you can be about what you’re doing.”
Vince has practiced the art of listening over the years. This is evident in watching him discuss jewelry with his customers and listening to wonderful events and sad situations in their lives. He listens intently and then offers words of congratulations or empathy. This is more than a job.
Listening IS Customer Service
Gratitude for your business and interest in your story creates a comfortable environment to collaborate on a jewelry purchase at Lake Street Diamond Company. Vince and our staff strive to make every person who walks through our door feel welcome and appreciated.
Whether repairing a chain, selecting an engagement ring, or designing a custom piece, you can count on the process being trustworthy and transparent. All details are fully explained as to what can be done and what can’t. This all comes from Vince’s emphasis on listening, which has instilled in our staff.
There are multiple ways to shop for jewelry. We believe shopping for jewelry at Lake Street Diamond Company is a very different experience from shopping for other essentials, like appliances or shoes. It’s personal, intentional, and purposeful, whether you’re selecting a piece for the one you love or honoring the memory of the loved one you’ve lost.
This is why listening to your story is so important to us. It allows us to gently ask questions and make suggestions where appropriate. Through this process, a relationship is being built. And, relationships are the very essence of our business and who we are.
We’re Ready to Listen to Your Story
Circling back to our tagline, come in with your jewelry and the story that goes with it. We promise to listen to understand. And, when you see your finished project, you’ll see how carefully we listened and honored your story. You may even have a tear roll from your eye!
