Giving away 30 seconds to get a job may seem like a no-brainer. The trouble is that few people do it. You have to think about it. Here is how it works.
One college fundraising drive was also an experiment. The fundraisers went into the dormitory common area where there were students. Half the time they just asked for donations. The other times they came and handed out soft drinks as they asked for donations. The trips with the soft drinks raised several times more money. The secret is giving something away before you ask for help.
Give 30 seconds away.
Your time and attention are your most valuable possessions.
The greatest secret of top salesmen is: establish a relationship before you sell yourself. Break your target person out of their rut before you sell yourself. Start by spending 30 seconds talking about them. Few people can resist trying to help someone who has given them 30 seconds of rapt attention.
Ask a question and then listen. “How is your day going so far? How many of these interviews do you do in a day? You must be worn out by now, how do you keep a fresh attitude? Is that a picture of your dog? My kids were crazy this morning, do you think it was just the weather? How did you learn to do this job?”
It takes practice. Get the book, How To Win Friends And Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Read and apply one chapter a day. It will make people smile when you enter the room. You’ll be memorable. You will also enjoy meeting other people more than you ever have before.
Want a job? You have to stand out from the crowd. Give your most important possession away. Give 30 seconds of your time and attention. You will be fondly remembered by everyone you meet. They will also really want to help you because you are a nice person.
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Something To Do Today
Practice giving away 30 seconds with everyone you meet.
Later: Beauty contest job openings and being memorable