Say Cheese. Smiling at someone instantly puts them at ease and it is human nature to “mirror” the other person. Notice how when you smile at someone, he/she automatically smiles back. The added benefit is that the act of smiling has a magical power to cause a person feel better. So if you encounter someone who is having a bad day, you smile and make them smile, you have subconsciously given reason for him/her to like you!

Ask Questions. People love to talk about themselves. Ask questions that evoke more than a Yes or No answer. By asking questions and showing genuine interest in the answers, you automatically build a rapport with the person you are talking to. They will most likely leave the conversation remembering that they liked you.

Remember Details. I once had a Dentist that I actually enjoyed seeing because I always found it remarkable that he remembered details about me even if I hadn’t seen him in two years. He would say, “How is your job going? The last time I saw you, you had just gotten promoted.” I eventually realized that he made notes in my file after each visit, but even knowing this, I still appreciated that he personalized our interactions. You will meet a lot of people in your business life and aren’t likely to remember all the details. Be sure to makes notes in your contacts database even if the items seem trivial. For example, for Joe Schmoe you could note: “Going to Hawaii in December, has two teenage daughters, Raider fan, likes vodka tonics.” Check his card prior to your next meeting so you have a few conversation starters ready.