Yesterday, I pulled my violin out of its case. I even trimmed my fingernails, but on my left hand only. What prompted this sudden interest in playing the violin again is that my new boyfriend is a bit of a musician himself. Now, I'm not ready to subject anyone else to the sounds that barely pass for music emanating from my violin at this stage. (Plus, I really don't want to scare this guy away.)
Having the violin in my hands again, I was reminded how much I enjoy playing. The problem is I haven't played in so long that my abilities have atrophied. My shoulder is aching; my fingertips have lost all their calluses; I have no control of my bowing arm; my technique is awful; and I am having trouble remembering how to read music.
Aside from that, at least I can still pick out some notes and play some of the pieces that I played years ago.
What this little exercise served to do is to illustrate that if you don't practice a skill, whether it is playing violin or speaking to your customers, you will lose it.
When I put the violin up to my chin, I had an expectation that it would sound like it did back when I used to practice every day.
It wasn't even close. Although, when I was playing pieces I was familiar with, the old muscle memory was still there. But, it wasn't enough. The skill level just isn't where it used to be.
Part of being able to talk to your customers involves not only building up your skill level, but also creating muscle memory. Keep repeating your responses to common customer questions until your answers become automatic.
Having these automatic responses ready will help you to interact with your customers in a more meaningful way. Removing the pressure to come up with a response lets you focus on what you customer is really saying so you can guide the conversation toward the sale.
Aside from that, at least I can still pick out some notes and play some of the pieces that I played years ago.
What this little exercise served to do is to illustrate that if you don't practice a skill, whether it is playing violin or speaking to your customers, you will lose it.
When I put the violin up to my chin, I had an expectation that it would sound like it did back when I used to practice every day.
It wasn't even close. Although, when I was playing pieces I was familiar with, the old muscle memory was still there. But, it wasn't enough. The skill level just isn't where it used to be.
Part of being able to talk to your customers involves not only building up your skill level, but also creating muscle memory. Keep repeating your responses to common customer questions until your answers become automatic.
Having these automatic responses ready will help you to interact with your customers in a more meaningful way. Removing the pressure to come up with a response lets you focus on what you customer is really saying so you can guide the conversation toward the sale.
RSS Feed