Making Connections: Become a Better People Person

“The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee. And I will pay more for that ability than any other under the sun.” -John D. Rockefeller

Do you consider yourself a “people person”? If you don’t, you are leaving a lot on the table.

Friendships, job opportunities, better family relations, promotions, happiness, and many other desired characteristics can be traced back to being a “people person”.

The great thing is that this a skill and not a natural born talent. You can learn how to empathize, relate, communicate, handle and deal with people of all types. Learning to do so will have a profound impact on your life and career. The more you become a people person, the happier and more successful you will become.

Below are a few quick and easy changes you can make to win more friends, create relationships and make better connections.

Smile
If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. You will never know what kind of an impact you’ll make if you lead a positive, upbeat life and smile all the time. A smile makes you more approachable and attractive. Now who wouldn’t want that?

Be a good listener
Let other people talk, while you attentively listen. Don’t be thinking about what you are going to say next while the other person is talking. Lean in, make eye contact and be engaged. Most people don’t want you to solve their problems, the usually just need a good listener. The better listener you are the better conversationalist you will become.

Be interested in the other person’s interests.
If you go out looking for friends, you’ll find them hard to find. However if you go out looking to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere. Become a friend first and you will build quality relationships. You can connect with everyone on a certain level or topic. It might take some time, but if you really want to befriend someone, it will be worth it.

Give sincere compliments
Everyone loves receiving a compliment. However it needs to be genuine and sincere. The good thing is that you can find something to compliment about everyone. You can make someone’s day by simply telling them that they have a great smile, or you like their new haircut or let them know that they are great at their job. Don’t worry about sounding silly or coming off creepy. As long as you are sincere, the compliment will come off fine.

Use these four simple steps to become a better people person and you will instantly start making better connections.

When it comes down to it, in your work and career, everyone is really self-employed. We hold our destiny and fate in our hands with our productivity, energy, passion and attitude. Use these four characteristics to stand out and work. Sooner or later, you will be rewarded for it.