![](<a href="http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/hochman/?action=view¤t=juggleclubsYES.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/hochman/juggleclubsYES.jpg" border="0" alt="YES shirt back"></a>)
Last year my friend Melissa and I were talking about the picture you see above. It was my profile picture on Myspace, Facebook and a few other spots. Never shy about expressing her opinion, she gave me hers about this picture…
“Change it. It looks like you’re not interested or listening to people.”
Of course I could see what she was saying. But it did take me by surprise. Less than 24 hours before another friend told me how much she likes it. The word she used was “iconic.”
Made me feel kind of good to be an icon. :o)
At the end of both conversations I decided to leave it up - at least for the time being. I trusted people will focus more on the message on the back of the shirt than on the fact that my back is turned.
Hey, the very fact that I’m writing now gives the impression that I’m interested in what you have to say, right?
And after all, I listen for a living. I’ve written several articles on the topic. Check out The Dynamic Power of Listening for a good example.
But Melissa’s point is well taken. What kind of impression do we give with our nonverbal communication, or in the way we approach people? Are you making eye contact? Are you simply waiting for a lull in the conversation to come out with your next thought?
Are you interested in what the other person has to say, and interested in the person saying it?
It’s an epidemic, especially in the recruting business. Whether it’s MLM, corporate, college admissions, etc. most people are so quick to bop you over their head with their opportunity, or whatever they’re peddling.
Great, and maybe it is the thing that can “change my life.”
But are YOU the person who can deliver? Do you know enough about me, and you are INTERESTED enough IN me to stick with me throughout the process?
Be daring. Be bold. Be creative. Be iconic. All good stuff.
At the end of the day, remember what people REALLY want. They want to count and they want to matter.
And they’re willing to go with the person or organization who makes them feel that way.
Your Big Eared Pal,
Larry
P.S. You DID put the SPRING AWAKENING COACHING CALL in your calendar, didn’t you? Do so if you’re serious about upgrading your life over the next few months.
Now… if we can teach others not to make noise and converse and relate instead - life would be perfect!
You’re absolutely right here Larry….people do want to feel like they matter…the want to feel like they count…and Listening is an art….its one of those levels of awareness we should all get to….the level of mastery…master the art of listening and those that follow you will feel like they matter because they do and those that want to feel like they count will feel it strongly…because you listened and they were heard…spot on again Larry!! Thank you!!