Build your social network and supercharge your career
We believe that “networking” will only get you so far — that true connection is actually based on building great relationships. In this section, we share our fun, practical approach to meeting new people, creating authentic connections, sharing value, and capitalizing on your social network.
“Hmmm. Probably on drugs – I mean, look at that hair.” “No doubt, he was definitely up all night partying.” “Pfft. Dude thinks he’s too cool for school. Probably a total douchebag.” “I bet he can barely string a full sentence together.” Sometimes, it’s as if I can read people’s thoughts like they’re written in speech bubbles over their heads. … Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
An “elevator pitch” is so called because you’re supposed to be able to summarize your pitch so quickly that you can effectively get it across in an elevator ride. The idea here is if you’re ever lucky enough to trap Richard Branson in an elevator for three minutes, you can pitch him on your killer idea and get him to … Read More
Listening is the currency of rapport, and the window into trust, connection and mutual engagement. The quality of our conversations, our relationships, and our reputations all hinge on how well we can do this one simple activity.