In our last posts on this topic, we suggested that those you see as “Super MSLs” are not any better than you, they are quite simply employing skills and strategies that some of us overlook. They know the art of being an impactful MSL! Here are five more:

1.     Engage your Human Relations Skills…early and often. Godin calls these “real” skills because they are why you were really hired. Some call them ‘soft skills’ which I think diminishes them. I call them “transformational skills” because when used well, they do transform our place among others.

2.     Memorize names, places, events, and family members. Nothing is quite so sweet as the sound of our name and that of our children. Take advantage of this by being the one who uses names. Sometimes you will hear “I’m not good at remembering names” and the advice is, “I wonder what it is costing you to keep being “not good”?

3.     Sit with strangers, introduce yourself, inquire, and ask for advice. I usually say, “What kind of work do you do?” Followed by “Did you go to school to learn how to do that?” This is usually met with a smile and the conversation has begun!

4.     Avoid alcohol (even one) at after-hours events. Avoid your friends who are drinking too much also. Eating with the boss? Many young men take their suit coat off at meals…mistake. I rarely see a CEO do so. Dress like the CEO, act like you are the CEO, engage like a CEO, and don’t eat furiously. Don’t start eating till everyone has been served. Pass the bread bowl before you take your share. Business meals are not for eating, they are for meeting.

5.     When you are being interviewed, know the ‘silent question’ that is in the mind of the other. My clients who interview say the following:
a. Can this person solve my problem?
b. What is this person like to work with?
c. Can this person improve my team in some way?
d. Do I like this person?

You are still answering their questions of course, but you are also adding a magic word after each answer…”because” or “the reason this is important is” which shows not only your answer but more importantly your ‘take’ on the material, your ‘wisdom”…that is what will make you different, unique, and show the value the real you will bring.