The dictionary defines discretion as the quality of showing discernment, the ability to make responsible decisions, and behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense to others or...

Make Others Feel Important. We all have an innate desire to feel important, be special, and feel appreciated. In your words and behavior help others feel important.

Use Discretion & Good Judgment. Don't share your most embarrassing moments with public exposure. Doing what is right is not always easy and can require uncommon courage. Be brave my friends, living...

Let Sleeping Dogs LieWhen I hear someone expressing an adamant opinion which is diametrically opposed to my own, I have a strong temptation to try to convince them otherwise. But what value is there...

Watch, Listen, & Learn . . .Broaden your sense of humor by watching funny movies and shows, reading funny books, visiting live comedy shows, or enjoying YouTube clips.

Check Your Ego at the Door. A big part of creating valuable, long-term connections requires setting your ego aside. For some, it's a struggle to not be the center of attention, of the conversation, or...

Find Your Funny Bone . . .Life provides plenty of material for things for you to laugh at. Seek irony, coincidence, and the abundance of simple humor in life's little absurdities.

Every time a new client hires me for a keynote, workshop, or coaching session, the first questions I ask them are, "What are the 3 top challenges your organization is dealing with? What are your...

Identifying, developing, and connecting on these points of reference will provide you with a rich resource of information from which to engage in stimulating conversations and connect on meaningful...

Along with the "Law of Attraction" there is also an "Attractor Factor" for easily building camaraderie and commonality for making a positive first impression. Seek to find:1.Shared History2.Shared...

Establishing social certainty helps you build trust, develop rapport, and strengthen your connection. However, the right questions might lead you to find a niche of commonality in someone who is very...

The romantic notion of "opposites attract" works well in fairy tales. However, science proves that "like attracts like" for healthy communication and successful relationships. Social psychologists...

Wouldn't it be wonderful to enjoy this level of simplicity in all relationships, regardless of differences? You can. Begin taking the initiative to find common ground with others and you will soon lay...

When people are like you, conversations flow naturally and feel more relaxed, don't they? You know what to say, how to talk, what to expect, and how to understand them on an intuitive level.

Finding commonality with another person can help you create an instant bond by transcending social differences and going straight to creating rapport. Finding common ground allows you to connect the...

On the other hand, when presented with a service-minded professional who strives to deliver the best possible experience, aren't you duly impressed? They are genuinely interested in learning about...

We've all known that one salesperson whose primary motivation in a transaction is to earn a commission-regardless of their customer's needs. From their body language to their self-driven talking...

Teddy Roosevelt has been credited with saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Think about that from a sales perspective.

Show Them You CARE. In the business world, mastering conversational skills and paying attention to the details can take you to the top and help keep you there!

A wise business practice is to become a prolific note-taker if you aren't already. When you've had a great conversation or interaction with someone-whether it is on a conference call, Skype, in a...

Memory Makes Magic HappenHave you ever been away from someone for a while and when you are reunited after a long absence, they ask about something or someone whom you talked about previously? My...

Instant AccessWhen my twins were born, I moved abruptly from being a professional career woman to a full-time, stay-at-home mom. The role shift opened a new door of commonality which surprised and...

When all else fails, Mother Nature has provided you with a great social default for finding commonality with others. Since weather is a universally shared experience, it enables you to jump into a...

In our high-tech world today, there are unlimited ways with which you can search for people, places, and events to connect you with like-minded people. Food enthusiasts? There are local cooking...

I recently heard of a real estate professional who LOVES to cook. So, her niche market? Foodies. She attends local restaurant events and cooking classes and turns strangers into friends and clients....

Once you start looking, you will discover unlimited links and openers for nurturing camaraderie. Do you drive the same car? Did you attend the same college? Do you both write with your left hand? Love...

When you ask people about themselves, are you just being polite or do you truly want to know? When you focus your intention and questions on them, it makes them feel special and valued. However, if...

If you truly want to impress someone, remember points they shared in previous conversations and mention it when you reconnect.

By taking a personal interest in other people's lives, you are demonstrating selflessness, grace, and respect.

Most people want, need, and respond positively to gestures of kindness and goodness. This universal friendliness connects humanity.