Guy Kawaski posted very interesting information on The Art of Sucking Down. Most of us know how to “suck up” – how to kiss the ass of the Marketing Manager, the CEO, the main stakeholder of your project. But very few of us realize how to handle effective communication with the “high people in low places”– the airline ticket agents, waiters, receptionists, and secretaries.
Here are some interesting points:
- If you want something, be nice to the person.
- Empathize with them, and understand their needs; after all, “they’re not getting paid a lot of money to put up with your crap.”
- Be important. Be a suki. Returning customers are considered important.
- Don’t underestimate the first 30 seconds of. If you can make him smile within this span of time, chances are, you’ll get what you want.
- Don’t buy your way in.
- Express your gratitude on your way out. “Be nice to people on the way up because you’re going to see them again on the way down.”
- Humor, dedication, and empathy are more effective that going to the person’s manager to complain.
- Help others if you have the opportunity to do so.
- Accept what cannot be changed.
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