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5 Ways to Connect with Anyone

Most people agree that strong relationships are the bedrock of professional success.

And while connecting with others isn’t always natural, it’s a skill even the most introverted can learn.

 

 

Social connection is a fundamental human need, but it’s not always easy to connect with everyone we meet. We all have different hang ups that make connecting difficult: shyness, self-consciousness, cynicism, pride, competitiveness and jealousy.

Forbes magazine recently offered their suggestions for overcoming those hang ups.

In “11 Ways to Connect with Anyone,” author Travis Bradberry writes that research shows people decide whether they like someone within the first seven seconds of meeting.  Then they spend the rest of the conversation internally justifying their initial reaction.

Pretty daunting, right? But Bradberry points out that they key is to use this otherwise terrifying knowledge to help us connect. He came up with 11 tips; we’ve honed in on our top five.

1-Leave a Strong First Impression

We’ve all heard that how you say something can be more important than what you say. That’s perhaps never more important than with first impressions, which are strongly tied to body language. Bradberry advises readers to use an enthusiastic tone, uncross your arms, maintain eye contact and lean toward the person who’s speaking.

2-Venture Beyond the Superficial

Move beyond small talk about the weather and mutual friends by asking good questions. Instead of asking, “What do you do?” ask “How did you choose your profession?”

3-Follow the Platinum Rule

Treat other people the way they want to be treated. This simple maxim can make a huge difference.

4-Don’t Make It a Contest

When you meet someone new, their incredible life experiences often make us feel the urge to look just as good or better. While listing your accomplishments strokes your ego, it doesn’t help connect with that person. Instead, Bradberry encourages readers to find common ground with their new acquaintance.

5-Turn Off Your Inner Voice

One major thing that keeps us from connecting with other people is that we don’t really listen. We’re too busy thinking while the other person is talking, and we’re so focused on what we’re going to say next that we don’t hear what’s really being said. The words come through loud and clear but the meaning is lost.

If you goal is to connect with people and form stronger professional relationships, try these five tips. You can read the entire article by visiting: http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/06/14/11-surefire-ways-to-instantly-connect-with-anyone/#5933c8f713aa

 

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