Charm School
A crash course in charisma
Do people like you? Do they really, really like you? Even if
you're not a movie star, you still have to hone your personal
magnetism. As an entrepreneur, you're your company's best
spokesperson. But what if your charisma is lacking a bit?
In psychologist Andrew DuBrin's view, the solution is
obvious: Build up your charisma muscles. "It's not easy to
do," acknowledges the author of Personal Magnetism:
Discover Your Own Charisma and Learn to Charm, Inspire, and
Influence Others (Amacom), "but I think everyone can work
toward becoming more charismatic."
How so? Start with the basics: Smile more readily, improve your
handshake and appearance, and err on the side of optimism. If low
self-confidence plagues you, says DuBrin, develop expertise that
helps counteract those negative feelings. "If you do something
well, people tend to attribute charismatic-like qualities to
you," explains DuBrin.
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It doesn't hurt to have a sense of humor, too. "When
you're in a meeting," suggests DuBrin, "observe what
other people do that makes people laugh."
Openness to and consideration of others is also critical, says
DuBrin. "Sup-pose a customer gives you a big order," he
says. "Instead of just sending an invoice, include a card
saying, `It's a pleasure doing business with you.' This
helps build strong relationships."
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