A close friend recently recommended a book for me: How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The book was first published in 1937 and since has been translated into nearly every known written language. When you first tell people the title, you get some strange looks and no doubt some think you have a sever case of social anxiety. However, the book elegantly addresses one of life's everyday problems: "...the problem of getting along with and influencing people in your everyday, business and social environment."
Though this seems rather remedial; the importance of the lessons in this book are more significant now than ever. In our society of ever decreasing direct social contact, the importance of the impression left from direct social contact can make or break that business deal, or forever tag you as "that guy". We communicate more now than ever but it's thru a digital medium in our so called Web 2.0 paradigms such as Facebook and AIM. So when this actual face to face or even over the phone contact happens it's important for you to make a lasting impression, leave the other person remembering your name. This is where the book comes in. It helps you optimize your face to face contact to help you get what you want.
The book interestingly enough also is applicable to electronic communications. It is in part dedicated to wording conversations in such away that it benefits you unknowingly to the other person. This isn't any Jedi Mind Trick, instead the book teaches how to take advantage of the human psyche for your benefit.
The book is over 70 years old now, but it has proven to be timeless (maybe even more applicable now than ever). I once had a boss that when ever his Outlook inbox had more than 10 unread messages he just deleted them all. He said if it is important they will call. Don't underestimate the power of communicating the old fashion way. Or when using new means of communication make your words work for you; get the person to want to help you.
I recommend you check out the book. I was able to snag a used copy for about $5 with shipping on Amazon.com. Below is a link to it:
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