You're thinking, "What? Sure buddy, that makes no sense!" Well hang on, let me explain!

No one said that managing people was easy. Humans take pride in being complicated! If we weren't complicated, we wouldn't need lawyers or politicians, right? If you can understand a few human intricacies while avoiding unnecessary conflict, you'll be on road to having your people on your side doing what you want now!

The Trick

Has anyone ever remembered something about you that entirely caught you off guard? Perhaps it was your birthday, or a miniscule personal fact that you thought was an inaudible waste of breath. But, not only did they remember, but they conveyed their interest in you by asking you about it! Didn't that make you feel special?

It's a common experience, and often times an overlooked way to build rapport and we all know how important rapport is when persuading your people. All it takes is a little bit of effort and smart listening.

Buzzwords. Are You Listening?

Listen to buzzwords (a.k.a keywords)...did they mention their favorite sports team? Their siblings? Their children? If so, remember context, date and place, then write information down before you forget! This information might come handy some day!

EXAMPLE: On Fridays, you may recognize this common conversation starter in elevator ride down to lobby: "So Charlie, what are you doing this weekend? Anything special?" If you ask question, listen to answer! Then remember their answer to follow up with them. You'll be shocked at results! Then all of a sudden when you need their help on accomplishing your goals, they'll be much more likely to help since you've already built a great foundation. If they tell you a specific date, time, or event, remember it, then ask later! Whether it be a birthday, meeting, sporting event, or any other personal event. Think of it like a personal event list. It'll keep you on top of things. The next time you call a friend, business contact, or acquaintance, pull out your notes beforehand and refresh your memory. They'll be glowing if you say happy birthday or inquire about their child's graduation. You'll be shocked about all of positive remarks that will be fumbling out of their mouth!

"Cook Their Favorite Meal Before They're Hungry..."

So back to basics: It's your job to find out more about your people, your family, and your friends. One day they might indirectly mention how much they love a certain chocolate bar, or a favorite dish. They don't usually expect you to remember, but strive to remember and write down your findings.

A month or two later, make their favorite meal and watch their jaw drop when you tell them that you remembered. All of a sudden you've built a strong connection and have yet another person who'll be willing to help you on your road to success.

============== © Copyright 2003, Ronnie Nijmeh, ACQYR.com. The ACQYR team provides masses with witty yet strategic ideas leading to self-improvement and growth. For more information and exciting, fresh motivational articles, visit: http://www.acqyr.com. Live. Learn. ACQYR.

But wait, "Ready? Set. Go!"? Is this phrase always correct? Should you always be "set" before you "go?"

The answer is: not always. Let's take a step back to understand this using an example.

Running a Business vs. Running a Race

Running a business (or running your life) is not entirely like running a race. In a business, you don't usually have to practice for months for something that lasts a mere 10 seconds. Business plans are more likely to have a longer shelf life (well, at least longer than 10 seconds, I'd hope!). Nor do businesses stand on a racing line with their competitors and wait for formal instructions to begin.

On other hand, you do have to plan and practice in order to achieve success, whether you're a business builder or a sprinter. How else are these situations similar?

Similarities

Well, for one, competition is fierce. A business has other companies in its market. A person has other people in their expertise vying for same opportunities and jobs. A runner has other athletes aiming for gold.

Next, there is a common thread in terms of goals. A business wants to be market leader and innovator. A person aims for top in class, to become most knowledgeable or have a reputation for excellence. A runner's ultimate goal is gold. In essence, all three aim for top spot; to be number one in their field.

Lastly, motivation, inspiration and hard work are all requirements to succeed. I can't imagine a runner winning race if he's never up early in morning practicing. Nor will a business become number one in its industry if it doesn't have a clear vision or necessary people to succeed. And a person will not become successful and well-respected if he only works during a full moon between hours of 2 and 3 am. Okay, well maybe not that drastic, but you get my drift!

Differences

The most relevant distinction between businesses and athletes is idea of false starts. Starting before official whistle isn't allowed during races. In contrast, false starts are a common practice in business world. No business starts at same place, at same time as their competitors. Rather, businesses are often light years ahead in terms of new products, services, or other innovative business practices. Then, of course, competition will analyze success and attempt to replicate it!

False Starts

Well, what if false starts were allowed during races? Would it be fair? Instead, what if there was a tradeoff: runner can start 10 metres ahead of his competition but catch is that he would only be allowed minimal training and planning beforehand. So, chances are, sprinter won't be in as great of shape as his opponents. Is it fair now?

While we're not going to get into ethical or legal issues with false starts, it raises an interesting point. What if, instead of: "Ready? Set. Go!", we had:

Ready? Go! Tweak!

What does this mean? What does it entail? And how will you be directly affected?

Let's understand "Ready? Go! Tweak." concept a little more.

In almost all cases, it's better to start a race ahead of your opponents. When you're ahead, you have breathing room to make mistakes and improve, while still remaining in lead. But how do you actually start ahead of pack? It's simple:

Go before you're set.

That's whole concept of "Ready? Go! Tweak." summed up in a few words. It's idea of going live with best point-in-time information and also with understanding of potential risk of launching with reduced planning. You don't want to hang onto a project for too long since stalling could be far too damaging in long run.

While we're not debating whether planning is necessary in order to succeed (there's no doubt it is), we need to discuss extent of planning required to succeed.