1. Make yourself likable.
Your power to be liked by others is invaluable on your success journey. To be likable, you must first like yourself. Then this positive feeling you have about yourself will be projected to others through your attitude. When people like you, they will do things to help and assist you in accomplishing your goals and realizing your vision.

"A (person) who hath friends must show (themselves) friendly..." -Proverbs 18:24

2. Always remember people's names.
There is no sound more pleasant to another person than the sound of his or her own name. When you remember people's names, they like it. It makes them feel that you think they are special.

3. Express appreciation for what other people do.
When you show appreciation for what others do, you give value to and validate their efforts.

4. Be lavish in your praise.
Praise expresses your approval of what others do. It uplifts them and inspires them to do even more.

5. Listen intently to other people's words, comprehending, understanding, and reacting to them.
Communication has too often become the practice of two people, each waiting for the other person to finish talking so he or she can start talking again. Very few people really listen to the other person. They are too busy thinking about what they are going to say next. How you listen is often more important than what you say. Listen to the other person's whole story first before you formulate your response.

6. Let the interests of the other person be the topic of conversation.
The best way to get and keep another person's attention is not by smooth talk designed to impress them with your own accomplishments. You get their attention by encouraging them to talk about their own accomplishments, their goals, and aspirations.

7. Make the other person feel important.
Recognize and acknowledge the importance of everyone you meet. Always focus the conversation on the other person. Be conscious of their needs and do your best to meet those needs. Be courteous and helpful in ways that are meaningful to the other person.

8. Do not criticize.
Live above petty criticism. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Let love motivate your attitudes and your actions. Desire the best for everyone you meet. Be willing to go the extra mile, especially if it will bring more knowledge and understanding.

When you throw dirt, you lose ground.

9. Always believe that there is a way to achieve the best results.
Know that people come into your life experience for a reason. When your self-image is intact, be assured that you will only attract those people who are in harmony with how you feel about yourself. The others will be repelled by the positive aura that surrounds you.

Therefore, do not hold back in building positive relationships. Do all you can to nurture and develop these relationships into long term associations of positive, mutual benefit.

Next Week: "How To Overcome Procrastination."

© 2004 LifeSkill Institute, Inc.

Based on The Twelve Universal Laws of Success, Second Edition, Expanded, ISBN 0-9748362-1-4 a new book by Herbert Harris, available at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or through the LifeSkill Institute, Inc. Call (800) 570-4009 to order books. Get your FREE copy of "Twelve Affirmations to Live By" poster by E-mail to: lifeskill@earthlink.net

Brother Herbert Harris will be keeping the Black community updated on thoughts for success and how we can succeed in our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Harris' column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail H Harris at: lifeskill@earthlink.net

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