To Be The Most Interesting, Be The Most Interested
You may have seen the Dos Equis beer commercials of the Most Interesting Man in the World. Here are a few of his most popular quotes:
10. If he were to pat you on the back, you would list it on your resume.
9. He once ran a marathon, because it was on his way.
8. Mosquitos refuse to bite him purely out of respect.
7. If he were to mispronounce your name, you would feel compelled to change it.
6. If opportunity knocks, and he’s not home, opportunity waits.
5. His two cents is worth $37 in change.
4. Once, a rattlesnake bit him. After five days of excruciating pain, the snake finally died.
3. When he has a 50/50 shot, the odds are 80/20 in his favor.
2. He has won the lifetime achievement award, twice.
1. His words carry weight that would break a less interesting man’s jaw.
While this is certainly a clever advertising campaign, it isn’t necessarily true. You don’t have to drink beer to be interesting, and popping a top won’t make you a better volleyball player, nor make a beach party instantly materialize.
The reality is, “The most interesting people are actually the most interested”; the most fascinated; they enjoy the small things in life as if it is the first time they are witnessing it; they enjoy their friends; and, they enjoy their environment with a sense of adventure and inquisitiveness…beer optional.
In sales, I often hear sales people ask if their prospect is “Interested.” Or, if the prospect would be “Interested” in hearing or seeing more. I’ve found the most effective sales approach is one in which we stay extremely interested in the prospect, their problem, and the pleasures they wish to achieve. If we neglect to stay interested and fail to gain a full understanding, we run the risk of charging ahead to prescribe a solution to a problem we aren’t even certain exists.
In networking, to remain the most interested means to grow relationships, to ask inquisitive questions with the intent of learning everything we can about them, their interests, needs, and desires. Focused, intentional listening while avoiding over-talking is very effective.
Personally, I struggle with talking too much and am easily distracted. I have to restate, paraphrase, and clarify what the other person is saying. And, I have to avoid distraction, checking my phone, and checking my watch.
What can you do to convey your interest?
What can you do to avoid accidentally signaling disinterest?
Upcoming Events:
SpiritBank – Dream Big Business Resource Event at SpiritBank 18th and Baltimore on Thursday, 9/14 from 5:30 to 7:30. Please RSVP to ksegner@spiritbank.com, so they can provide enough complimentary food and adult beverages. I will be one of the speakers at this event and would love for you to come cheer me on.
Community Food Bank Volunteer Event – Tuesday, 9/19 from 1-3pm. Please Share and RSVP on Facebook. Please thank Shannon Bisel for taking the lead on setting up our first quarterly volunteer event. Natually, we focus on giving and this is a great opportunity for us to expand that meaning within Bold Networking here in Tulsa.
Ca$h Mob – 9/21 at Gaetano’s (81st and Harvard). Please Share and RSVP on Facebook. These events are casual networking events open to everyone and are intended to help promote a locally owned business and grow our relationships.