[02.14.10]
23 great comments!

Why Can’t You Just Look Me In The Eye?

eye contact, job interview, social networkingThis has come up before, but let me share something.  I don’t ask for much from you.  Perhaps a referral.  Tell someone about this site.  An occasional Stumble or save to Delicious.  But not much else.

So, do me a favor.

Look me in the eye.  And do the same for everyone else in your network.

There’s a great scene from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.  Clint Eastwood stares down two other gunmen.  Competing for a few bags of cash.  Waiting for someone to make a move.  With everything on the line.

But, fortunate for you, networking is not at all like a gunfight.  And shifty-eyed is no way to build friendships.  With people who you need to meet and create an impression.

So next time you find yourself at a networking event or meet someone at a local coffee shop, do this.

Maintain eye contact.  It says you are listening.  And that your time right now is dedicated to learning about who they are.  And what is happening in their world.  Right now.

And if you get in to a three way conversation where you have to pay attention to two others, take a full drink of each person as they speak.  And then you can shift your eyes.

After all, no one is pointing a gun at you.


Written by: Tim Tyrell-Smith
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Categories: Social Networking
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  • Terry Schultz

    This is so very true Tim. I try to make sure I maintain eye contact anytime I’m speaking to someone or they are speaking to me. Thanks for the reminder.

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      Thanks Terry. Appreciate the retweet!

  • Terry Schultz

    This is so very true Tim. I try to make sure I maintain eye contact anytime I’m speaking to someone or they are speaking to me. Thanks for the reminder.

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      Thanks Terry. Appreciate the retweet!

  • Mark Thompson

    Eye contact may be important in western culture, especially America, but is not the case in many other cultures & countries.

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      Mark – Yes, a good reminder. Thanks!

  • Mark Thompson

    Eye contact may be important in western culture, especially America, but is not the case in many other cultures & countries.

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      Mark – Yes, a good reminder. Thanks!

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  • http://jimhorrell.wordpress.com Jim Horrell

    Hi Tim,

    Thanks for a quick reminder. I am planning on going to a networking event tomorrow evening (2-15-2010) so your advice is very timely for me.

    Thanks,

    Jim

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      No problem, Jim. Hope the event was a good one!

  • http://jimhorrell.wordpress.com Jim Horrell

    Hi Tim,

    Thanks for a quick reminder. I am planning on going to a networking event tomorrow evening (2-15-2010) so your advice is very timely for me.

    Thanks,

    Jim

    • http://www.timsstrategy.com Tim

      No problem, Jim. Hope the event was a good one!

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