The QLog

What Don't You Do?

Q: What do you do?
A: <Answers Will Vary>

The above question is often a boring 'opening' or conversation killer during an initial introduction. It merely elicits a title (e.g. a banker, a doctor, a project manager, a teacher). Of course, your professional life is hard to sum up in a word or two and no one really cares about all the minor tasks you actually do all day. Besides, your job is only a very small part of who you really are.   

Here are some better questions to ask people:

What do you do for fun?

What are your hobbies, past times, or passions?

Have you read any good books lately?

These questions get people talking about interesting topics with enthusiasm as it relates close to their true essence. Next time you meet a stranger at a party, cocktail party, or networking event, do your best not to merely swap titles and get to know the other person in a deeper, personal way.

Productivity 101 (Day 76): The Rule of Tens

I am writing a longer essay on this concept, but I thought I’d share the bare bones outline on the Qlog as it should clarify a networking problem and a viable answer.

During your lifetime, you’ll meet thousands of people; however, only a small number will become good friends (I use this term loosely to mean both social friends and business contacts) and a critical few of these individuals will greatly impact your life. This will include people such as your best friend, your best employee, or your best customer. I call these people the ‘Vitals’ as they are the ones who influence your life, lifestyle, and livelihood more than anyone else.

1000 Casual Acquaintances
        \/
        \/     
        \/
100 Good Friends
        \/
        \/
        \/
10    True Vitals

Of course, some people who are outgoing, positive, and real, will find more good friends and true vitals for every 1000 people…and others will find less. Yet, in general, this Rule of Tens does represent a general rule of networking and relationships. For every 1000 people you meet: 10% will become friends, 1% will become vital.

The Paradox: Any single person you meet could become one of your True Vitals; however, you will not know which ones. This is something that evolves after initial meetings and first impressions. Anyone of a thousand acquaintances could become the key to your success, but exactly who will always be a mystery.

The Solution: Treat everyone you meet as the most important person on the planet. In their mind, they already are. This will insure that you do not accidentally offend or ignore someone who COULD have been someone wonderful in your own life.