***Six Ways To Make People Like You

When it comes to books about networking, building relationships or dealing with people, the undisputed classic is How To Win Friends and Influence People. Dale Carnegie wrote the book in 1936 and it has been read by millions of people since. One of the great realizations in the book is that although some people are more extroverted or affable, dealing with people is a learned skill that anyone can master it. The second section of the book is titled, Six Ways To Make People Like You. These are simple ideas that make a huge difference. #1 - Be Genuinely Interested In Other People. Studies show that the word that people say more than any other is 'I". People love to talk about themselves, their lives, their hobbies, their families, their passions, etc... When you become interested in people, ask questions and allow them to talk, they will love you for it. In a nutshell: Focus on being interested not interesting. There is a big difference. Interesting is about you, interested is about them. #2 – Smile A smile is a simple gesture that doesn't cost you money, time, or energy but it can brighten someone's day, changes the way you feel and make you more approachable. Smiling is attractive and contagious. People around you can't help but smile when they see a big smile on your face. #3 - Remembering and Using People's Name They say that the sweetest and most important sound in language is the sound of your own name. We've all been there when you recognize the person but can't remember their name. It's awkward, uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. We often use the excuse that "I am not good with names," but if you want to master people, you need to begin to remember names. Develop a system, when you meet someone use their name 3 times in conversation or write their name down in a notebook with some notes about them. Figure out what works for you. #4 Be A Good Listener I love the sage advice that we were given one mouth and two ears for a reason. We need to encourage others to talk and then listen to understand. Listening is an active process. It is much more than being silent. It involves empathy, which is to walk in someone's shoes and understanding, which is the ability to relate without judging or fixing. Listening is a skill that is developed with practice and as you master it, people will like you more and more. #5 Talk To People In Terms of Their Interests People love it when you can talk to them in terms of their interests. They love when you are knowledgeable on subjects they enjoy and can have intelligent conversation about what matters most to them. That doesn't mean that you have to be an expert in every category, but being able to talk to people in terms of their interests goes a long way. One way to do this is to study topics of interest before meeting with people. If you know that your business lunch is with a huge baseball fan, then take some time to brush up on your knowledge of the game. This small point may make the biggest difference in how the lunch turns out. If you have paid attention to the first five ways to make people like you, you are probably noticing a trend. Each of the points is focused on the other person. Talking in terms of other people's interest is another way to put them first and leave a great impression. #6 Make People Feel Important Do It Sincerely Making people feel important can be done in a myriad of ways. You can give a compliment, remember their birthday or a special occasion, recognize them for their skills and contribution or give them a gift. The key is to make sure you do it sincerely. Your motives must be pure. This is not about giving to get, it is about giving because you care. People read through individuals who are fake and only in it for themselves. If you are going to compliment someone, make it sincere. Look at the good in people and point that out. As a boy scout I was taught to leave a campsite better than before I got there. I think the same principle applies to people. Leave every person better for having met you.