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Well-Versed Think before you speak--and watch your words pay off.

By Emily Weisburg

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Sometimes the most productive conversations happen when you shut your mouth and listen. Edward Rogoff, co-author of The Entrepreneurial Conversation management professor at The City University of New York's Baruch College reveals how conversations can build lasting business relationships.

Entrepreneur: What is your best tip that entrepreneurs can use in conversation?

Edward Rogoff: Focus on the needs of the other person. Research those needs [in advance], prepare for the conversation, ask questions and listen carefully for the answers. Adjust your thinking based on the answers. You need to fashion something that works for the other person. If it works for the other person and his or her business interests, then it can work for you. [Instead of talking about what your company is doing], talk about the needs of the other person.