Does the idea of boring small-talk with Uncle Bob or chatting with an attractive person make you tense? If you’re like many people, conversation anticipation will put a few beads of sweat on your forehead. But here’s the good news: While conversation skills are just that–skills to be practiced–some can be implemented swiftly. As a social skills coach we know … Read More
8 Easy Ways to Have Better Conversations
How to Build a Friend Circle From Scratch – Part 1
For many years now I’ve been coaching people struggling with low self-esteem and social anxiety that were lacking a good friend circle. AJ and Johnny got word of me through a mutual friend. Long story short, they want me to come to Los Angeles, so I can coach for The Art of Charm. “Sure,” I said. And so I jumped … Read More
in Life Hacks, Making Friends, Networking
Seven Surprising Reasons to Be Nice at Work
If you Google “being nice at work,” you’ll find no shortage of articles bemoaning the hidden costs of being kind in your career. “9 Ways Being Nice At Work Is Holding You Back,” warns one article. “11 Ways To Stop Being Too Nice At Work & Start Being Assertive,” offers another. “It’s Time to Stop Being So Nice at Work,” … Read More
in Art of Business, Art of Personal Development
Stuck? Here Are Nine Things You Can Do Right Now
So you’re stuck. You’ve been riding a nice wave for a minute, only to suddenly find yourself out of momentum, adrift in your work, idling in neutral. Your passion is a nice idea. Your drive is a distant memory. Whatever it takes to move forward, you’ve lost it somewhere along the way. Then come the thoughts. The worry. The anxiety. … Read More
in Productivity
The Art of Feedback (And Why It Really Matters)
Confession: I’m not exactly a natural when it comes to feedback. Offering meaningful criticism was a skill I learned later in life, and to this day, I have to work consciously to give and interpret feedback the right way. For a long time, I felt like this was a gap in my ability — a sensitivity to criticism I just … Read More
in Networking
5 Easy Ways to Stop Hating Business Networking Events
Business networking events can be nerve-wracking affairs if you don’t enter with a strategy in mind. Luckily, we present these five easy ways to stop hating business networking events so you’ll always be ready to face them with dignity and, of course, charm. First of all, we don’t really recommend business networking events, because there are so many more effective ways … Read More
in Art of Business, Networking
Social Capital: How to Acquire, Save, and Spend It Wisely
So what exactly is social capital? It sounds fancy. Here at The Art of Charm, we define it as the value that gets created when you share the resources you have in order to help others. Here are some tips on how to acquire, save, and spend social capital wisely. [Photo by Riley McCullough] What Is Social Capital? Some of … Read More
in Art of Business, Networking
Intentions: How to Figure out What People Really Want
If we can become more interested in one another’s real intentions, we can become better colleagues, better partners, better parents, better bosses, and better friends. That’s what this article is about: How to figure out what people really want — from you, from themselves, and from one another. [Photo by Parker Knight] “Words are deeds.” -Ludwig Wittgenstein The writer David … Read More
in Art of Business, Networking
10 Things I Learned from James Altucher about Minimalism, Failure, and Not Giving Advice
James Altucher is an extraordinary man with extraordinary perspectives on everything from smart business to living a satisfying life — and how they intertwine. Here are 10 things he taught us on episode 540 of The Art of Charm. James Altucher’s appearance on episode 540 of The Art of Charm was so chock full of wisdom that I felt compelled … Read More
in Art of Business, Art of Personal Development, Entrepreneurship, Productivity, Self Mastery
Why Hitting a Home Run Isn’t Always Your Best Move
Three strikes and you’re out. Keep waiting for the perfect pitch to hit a home run every time and you might win a few cheers, but you won’t win the game. Here’s how to play at your best. [Photo by CNU Sports] When the ball comes over home plate, a man’s first reaction is to try and hit it out … Read More
in Building A Connection, Networking