Actively project warmth and high energy. It’s been observed people like you when they feel liked by you.
Listen with intent.
Being a good listener is about two things:
1) Demonstrating that you’ve heard exactly what was said by the other person, and
2) encouraging them to continue. Ask follow up questions that reference the information you were just given.
Use humility markers.
Acknowledging your own fallibility and human imperfection can go a long way toward making yourself relatable. Especially if there’s a power dynamic where someone is asking for your advice, attention or help, you want to put the other person at ease.
Offer unvarnished honesty.
You can differentiate yourself by being as honest as you can. Just remember to root your honesty in what will actually have utility for the other party.
Blue-sky brainstorm.
Maybe you can’t provide what someone is looking for. But, if you can change the angle or way they’re thinking about something by openly brainstorming with them, you make them feel like they got something special and unexpected.
End every meeting where you’d like to start next time :
Assume you’re going to run into everyone again, and when you do so, you want the person to think, ‘Oh great, it’s so-and-so!’ not ‘I guess I’ll get through this somehow.’ If you envision running into this person again and how you want that to go, it’ll undoubtedly influence how you navigate a present conversation — usually for the better.
Don't fake it till you make it.
If you want to connect with someone to move your goals forward, you need to know exactly why you care about that person or their company. Magic happens when your sincerity is powered by diligent preparation.
GIVE BEFORE THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU GET. ALWAYS OFFER SOMETHING OF VALUE BEFORE EXPECTING OR
ASKING FOR SOMETHING IN RETURN.
KEY TO THIS IS NOT FOCUS ON RECIPROCITY.
