How to Win Friends & Impress People
In his famous book "How to Win Friends and Influence People," Dale Carnegie mapped out a strategy which still has relevance today. Winning friends and impressing people means taking control of two important areas: connecting with others and promoting your self image. These two processes, while different, often go hand in hand. In fact, efforts in one hand often enhance the other.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Updated credentials
- Letters of reference
- Business cards
- Local events calendar
Instructions
-
Winning Friends
-
1
Attend events that interest you. You will be more likely to find compatible people. Find someone who seems receptive and approach her. If you are able to establish rapport, ask her to join you for coffee after the event.
-
2
Pay attention. If you're good at remembering names, you will be at a distinct advantage. Suggest a good bike shop to a new acquaintance who mentioned that her bike was on two flats. Recalling that someone played varsity basketball or won a trip on a radio contest is very flattering.
-
-
3
Follow up. Send email messages with links to news items you believe will interest the other person. Pass along contact information for a contact to a new acquaintance who mentioned she was seeking new career opportunities.
-
4
Schedule time for face-to-face interactions. While email, telephone calls and online interactions can promote a sense of connection, there is no equivalent to spending time with acquaintances for building real friendships.
Managing Your Personal Image
-
5
Update your credentials. Revise your resume. Get current contact information for your references and update your address book. Take an honest assessment of your skill set in light of 21st century technology and workplace norms.
-
6
Make yourself known in your field. Publish blog posts and articles in trade publications. Give presentations. It's not necessary to speak in front of huge crowds if it makes you nervous. The idea is to establish yourself as an authority.
-
7
Create complete social networking profiles. This is important for younger people and for more mature individuals. Younger people may need to rein in what they reveal on their profiles. More mature people can convey the fact that they are in step with 21st-century technology with a well-crafted social networking profile.
-
8
Take leadership roles. This can range from heading a committee to organize a drive to collect warm clothing for donation to initiating an important project at your workplace. Show that you are willing to take the lead rather than wait for someone else to do so. Once you agree to lead a project, see it through to completion.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Emphasize active verbs and concrete results in presenting your credentials. Be patient. Building friendships and establishing your image both take time. First impressions are important. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but try to look well-groomed. A smile enhances anyone's image.
Don't avoid someone because you can't offer concrete assistance. A willing ear will almost always be appreciated. Don't give empty flattery. People can tell when they're being manipulated. While you should make sure to receive proper credit for your efforts, you should not be an attention hog. Let your hard work do most of your talking for you.
