A Simple Walk, A Big Lesson…

We are very blessed to live close to our grandchildren. We get to see them often, and they enrich our lives in ways that are hard to put into words. My grandchildren are perfect. Even when they are not, they are still perfect.

Since we have several grandchildren, we do not always get to spend time with them one-on-one. So, over the past year, my wife and I started a tradition. We take each of them for their own special day. Just them and us. We go to the park, grab smoothies, have a picnic, and they always get to choose their favorite meal. It is usually pizza, chicken nuggets, fries, or some combination that would make a nutritionist a little nervous. We do our best to honor their parents’ wishes when it comes to food, bedtime, and naps, but we are also grandparents. So yes, there is some spoiling involved.

One of their favorite parts is the sleepover. That means extra fun, maybe a little approved cartoon time in the evening, their favorite dinner, and of course a competitive game or two. There is always a round of Go Fish or some other age-appropriate game, which usually ends with me being ganged up on and losing. And I have to tell you, this is the only time in my life where losing feels like winning.

This last sleepover visit was with our second grandson, who is five years old. We did all the usual things and had a great time. What made this one extra memorable was the morning. He slept in later than usual. We figured it was because there was no chaos, no early morning rush, and no real reason to get up. And of course, Lolli&Pop (that’s our grandparents names) were not exactly in a hurry to wake him. When he finally did get up, it was time for another one of our traditions.

While my wife makes their favorite breakfast, which they proudly choose in advance, I take them on a morning walk.

We usually follow the same route through our neighborhood. Along the way, we talk, we laugh, and when we reach a certain spot, I take a picture. It is my way of capturing the moment. My long-term plan is simple. One day, when they are older and far too cool to spend the night at Lolli&Pop’s house, I will pull out those pictures and remind them just how much fun we had. Or at least I will remind myself.

Now this particular walk was special, just like all the others. My five-year-old grandson does not struggle with conversation. In fact, all I really had to do was ask one or two questions and then step aside.

And wow, can that kid talk.

He told me about his favorite toy car, a show he wanted to watch, a food he definitely did not want to eat, a house we passed that he had very strong opinions about, and his plans for the future which included getting a puppy, a kitty, and then deciding he wanted both. His thoughts moved quickly, his ideas were endless, and his perspective was pure.

When we reached our usual spot and I took the picture, he kept going. More stories, more ideas, more of his world. And I just listened.

When we made it back home, I had the same realization I always have after these walks. What a joy it is to simply listen. To slow down long enough to hear someone else’s perspective. To see the world through their eyes, even if just for a little while.

My heart was full, and I am already looking forward to the next sleepover.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

In business, we often feel the need to talk. We want to explain, promote, teach, and sell. We spend a lot of time thinking about what we want to say. But how often do we truly stop and listen?

Listening is one of the most powerful tools we have, yet it is often the most underused. When we take the time to understand our customers, we begin to see things differently. We start to recognize their challenges, their frustrations, and their desires. And that changes everything.

When we listen, we are no longer guessing. We are responding. We are no longer pushing a message. We are creating value that actually matters. Just like on that walk, when I stopped trying to guide the conversation and simply let it happen, I learned more than I ever could have by doing all the talking.

Seeking to understand is not passive. It is intentional. It requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to hear things that may not always fit our assumptions. But when we do, we gain clarity. And with clarity comes better decisions, stronger connections, and more meaningful results.

Here Are A Few Reasons Why Seeking To Understand Your Customers Matters

• You create solutions that actually solve problems. Without understanding, you risk building something nobody truly needs.
• You build trust and connection. When people feel heard, they are far more likely to engage and stay loyal.
• You improve your messaging. Clear understanding leads to clear communication that shows your customers you care.
• You uncover opportunities. Your customers will often tell you exactly what they want if you take the time to listen.
• You avoid costly mistakes. Assumptions can lead you down the wrong path, wasting time, energy, and resources.

If we ignore this, we end up talking past our customers instead of connecting with them. And in today’s world, that is a quick way to be overlooked.

The good news is that this is something we can all improve. Start by asking better questions. Pay attention to feedback. Read the comments. Notice what people respond to and what they ignore. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn.

And most importantly, slow down enough to actually hear what is being said.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever had a moment where simply listening changed your perspective or your results? Drop a comment below and let’s learn from each other.

And if you are looking for a place to sharpen these skills and build a stronger foundation for your online business, I highly recommend checking out the Internet Profits Academy. It is a place where you can learn, grow, and connect with others who are on the same journey.

As for me, I will keep taking those walks. Because sometimes the best business lessons come from a five-year-old with a lot to say.

And according to my wife, I should probably keep practicing my listening skills at home too. Apparently, she has been trying to tell me that for years.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand. They listen with the intent to reply.” — Stephen R. Covey

“Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.” — Fred Rogers

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

I told my wife I am an excellent listener. She said prove it. I said, absolutely. What are we talking about again?

I have selective hearing. I hear the word snacks from three rooms away but somehow miss take out the trash from five feet.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about building and maintaining a healthy online business, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter here and continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I have long desired, but also to share what I am learning with others who are working toward the same dream.