Approachability

I've been listening to an audiobook called The Six Laws of Approachability by Laura Stack. You can listen to the audiobook here:

http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B009UWL6KW

Laura shares six main tips:

1. Broadcast a positive, confident image.
2. Follow proper etiquette in handshake, introductions, and dress.
3. Give yourself confident credit.
4. Model enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
5. The face is the window to your soul, especially eyes and smile.
6. Use a clear, audible, enthusiastic, positive voice.

The story that impresses me the most is an anecdote from Southwest Airlines' hiring practices. The company found that 95% of their complaints came from 5% of their people, so they started to build their interview process around two main factors:

1. Did the person smile at least three times during the first interview?
2. Is the person self centered or customer centered? How do they show support?

Focusing on these two attributes cut the level of Southwest's customer complaints by 98%.

How might such attributes help you 1) get hired or 2) hire the right people?

If you haven't already read them, I recommend two other books for developing strong social skills and speaking ability:

How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie
http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B005MKCFCE

Speak Like Lincoln, Stand Like Churchill by James C. Humes
http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B005ET6SX0

If you are hiring at a studio or as a producer, here are two questions to ask that might make a multi-million dollar difference in your business:

What if the actors in your film smiled a bit more. Would that impact people's perception of your film?

How might your film make the audience smile?

Remember, the audience is paying your salary and your bonus check.

The bottom line is an inch or two above their chin.

Pleasantly and profitably yours,



Jed.

http://www.EntertainAndInspire.com