We continue with our series destined to help you build satisfying interpersonal relationships. Commitment and love are important to all of us. Everyone wants to succeed when dealing with others, whether with coworkers, friends, or loved ones. You probably know that there is no success secret, no checklist of things to do, and just as importantly things not to do. But we have many suggestions, now continuing with the letter I. We have written a double series of articles, chock full of suggestions for the letter I. Here the focus is on imagine, informed, and inspire.
I is for imagine. Imagination is king. Before it can happen someone has to imagine it. Don't stop in the middle, don't stop before you start, let your imagination run wild. Imagining that he or she loves you is the first step to making it happen. Who knows, maybe your intended is imagining the same thing. Imagining that you make a major sale is quite a different matter. Your perspective client is surely not thinking about your product and you. Don't let that stop you. Imagine that client's specific needs. Imagine how your product or products can meet those needs. Imagine how you can deal with the client's objections. Imagine how you can spend your commission. Then go out and do it.
I is for informed. Make sure that you know what the situation is. Do your spadework. It helps if you have access to sensitive information. But even if you don't, there usually is a lot of public information available. Don't believe everything that you read or everything that you hear. And learn to read between the lines or if you are talking face to face learn to read body language.
I is for inspire. Few feelings are as impressive as the one that surges inside you when you realize you are inspiring someone to go further, to break their own limits. I'm a teacher and inspiring students is one of the great perks of teaching. Believe me, it doesn't happen all that often. On the other hand, two minutes before it happens I usually have no sign that inspiration is on the horizon. Many successful people remember a select few teachers, mentors, bosses, or family members who inspired them to become what they are. You can do it. And when you do do it, make sure that you inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Or even go way beyond you. You owe it to them. And you owe it to yourself.
------
Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books. He is a computer teacher in an Ontario French-language community college. His websites include a new English and French (with translations) love and relationships site dedicated to love at
www.loveamourlove.com. His global wine website
www.theworldwidewine.com features a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.
