Category: Personal Branding (page 2 of 3)

My thoughts and advice on building a strong personal brands.

People Magnet: Four Quick Ways to be Liked by Others

To be a people magnet is to acknowledge that your happiness and success at work can be strongly influenced by how well-liked you are by others.

People that are likable are regularly better at influencing others—whether it’s convincing coworkers, winning over ideas, or boosting team spirit. Stronger, deeper connections with others can also be nurtured by your likability, and this results in sustaining friendships and partnerships.

Be a People Magnet

Be a People Magnet

Here are the four quick ways to make people like you:

1. Smile to make a great first impression

First impression matters.

And the quickest way to make a great first impression is to give a wide smile. Smiling makes you look friendly and approachable.

A smile says to the other person, ‘I am glad to see you. You make me happy. I always enjoy your company.”

The clothes you wear is not nearly as important as the expression on your face.

WHAT ABOUT THE DAYS YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE SMILING?

Force yourself to smile when you are first alone. Act as if you are already happy, and this will make you happy as well. You are only happy when you choose to be happy.

Then smile afterwards. Your smile is a way of expressing your kindness. Everyone who sees your smile will feel happier around you too.

2. Remember people’s names to make them feel important.

Do you know the average person is more interested in his or her own name than all other names combined?

Former U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt confirms that remembering names is one of the easiest, most evident, and most significant ways to win people over. When you remember that name and call it easily, you have paid a subtle and impactful compliment to that person.

The ability to recall names is nearly as crucial in social and professional interactions as it is in politics.

HOW TO REMEMBER THE NAMES OF PEOPLE

If you are hearing a person’s name clearly for the first time, ask – “I am sorry, I did not hear your name clearly, can you say it again?”  If the name is not common, ask the person to spell it out. Then write the name on your phone or a piece of paper.

Make the effort to repeat the name multiple times during the conversation and try to mentally connect it to the person’s features, expression, and overall look. This technique was successfully used by Napoleon the Third.

And it works till now!

 SAYING THEIR NAME MAKES YOU A BETTER PEOPLE MAGNET

The person’s name distinguishes them from others and makes them special.

This means that when we address situations with the person’s name, the information we are providing or the request we are making assumes a special significance. It puts you at a sharp advantage for them to like you. This is what makes you a people magnet.

Recognize the power of a name and understand that the only owner of this particular asset is the person we are interacting with. No one else.

3. Listen deeply and encourage people to talk about themselves.

This is a simple method to improve your conversation skills.

Many people don’t listen deeply, which prevents them from leaving a positive impression. They don’t keep their ears open because they are too worried about what they will say next. Studies show that the most influential people value attentive listeners more than talkers. However, listening skills appear to be more uncommon than nearly any other positive quality.

It is essential that you give the person speaking to you your whole attention. Nothing else is so pleasing as that.

A person’s toothache means more to that person than a famine in China which kills a million people. A boil on one’s neck interests one more than forty earthquakes in Africa. Think of that the next time you start a conversation – Dale Carnegie

HOW TO BE A GOOD CONVERSATIONALIST

Be a focused listener if you want to be a good conversationalist. Be interested to be interesting.

Ask questions that other persons will enjoy answering. Invite them to share about their experiences and achievements.

Even the most violent critic will often become gentler and quiet when they are around a patient, understanding listener.

4. Develop a sincere interest in other people.

By showing genuine interest in other people, you can make more friends in one month than you can by trying to pique their interest in you over the course of a year.

If you want to make friends, you must put yourself out there to do things for other people – things that require time: energy, unselfishness, and thoughtfulness. Being genuinely interested in other people not only makes you friends but also fosters a sense of loyalty if you run a business or building a professional career.

This is also the only means for the other ways to work fine for you in the long run.

HOW TO DEVELOP SINCERE INTEREST IN OTHER PEOPLE

Speaking with someone about the things they value most is the best way to winning their heart.

Mention the interests of the other person when you speak. Look for things you both have in common, like hobbies or life experiences.  Ask follow-up questions, nod in agreement, and express enthusiasm in the topics they are talking about.

Always bring the focus of the conversation back to the other person.

Talk to people about themselves and they will listen for hours.” – Benjamin Disraeli.

Greet people with enthusiasm and energy as well.

Also use the same mentality when someone calls you on the phone. Say “Hello” in a tone that conveys your happiness that they have called.

This is a fantastic way to build rapport, make them feel valued, and create a more engaging conversation.

READ PREVIOUS ARTICLE – PROSOCIAL: HOW EVERYONE SHOULD OPTIMIZE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS

Chadwick Boseman: How to Have a Black Excellent Life

In 2018, Black Panther became the highest-grossing solo superhero film. The movie also became the second-highest-grossing film the same year. The lead character, T’Challa was beautifully portrayed by American actor, Chadwick Boseman.

As we anticipated the sequel to the blockbuster movie, we got the shocking news of the death of Chadwick Boseman. He died of colon cancer on August 28, 2020. His family pronounced that Chadwick battled this disease for four years till his death.

Despite dying at an early age, Chadwick Boseman truly lived a life of grace and black excellence. He constantly poured out his heart, soul and life into the characters he played. These movies include Marshall, 42, 21 Bridges, Get On Up and many more. Greatly loved and admired by all, the final tweet on his account just became the most liked post in Twitter history.

Chadwick Boseman

As we continue to celebrate this king and legend, here are 5 things you can learn from his life too:

1. Live with a sense of purpose

Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed.

To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years.

Barack Obama on CHADWICK BOSEMAN

Unknown to the public eye, Chadwick visited and encouraged kids with cancer while facing his own battle with same cancer. In his movies, he also had this grace, presence, beauty and elegance when playing a character.

This is a constant reminder for you to be a hero too. Live each day with kindness and purpose. Be intentional. Live a life full of positivity and laughter.

Mr Boseman levelled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game…

Robert Downey Jr ON Chadwick boseman

2. Live a Quiet Life

Chadwick was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago, per reports. During that time, he gave us Civil War, Marshall, Black Panther, Infinity War, Endgame, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods. Lord only knows what he was going through on a daily basis.

Jemele hill on Chadwick boseman

Chadwick gives an exemplary example of balancing personal life and work. He never allowed his inner battles to affect his work ethic or creative approach to acting. Chadwick’s family said he had filmed many of his recent movies while undergoing “countless surgeries”. He thoroughly played his movie roles to the very end.

This act is a reminder to do and say only what matters most. Not everyone needs to hear about your troubles or struggles. Never let your darkness or inner demons prevent you from becoming the light you are. Always shine and showcase your talents till the very end.

What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like.

Oprah Winfrey on Chadwick Boseman

3. Live with true friends who support you

Chadwick had the chance to act life-changing roles because he had people to support him during his last years on Earth. His family. The group of close friends. His fellow co-actors. They were always there to appreciate his work and give him the chance to laugh till the end.

This is a reminder to choose your friends carefully. Have a select few who can guard your secrets and still build a healthy relationship with you. Maintain friendships that empower you on a positive level.

Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King.

Chris Evans on Chadwick boseman

4. Live Life to the Fullest

This is clearly evident from the eulogies received on the internet and by his family. Chadwick Boseman gave his all while living a life of grace, elegance and heroism.

This is a reminder for you to live to the fullest too. Constantly develop your talents. Share your story in whatever you can. Most importantly, don’t die empty.

Yes this was our king. Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life. He made so many of us proud of who we are. Hamba kahle Chadwick…Sizoku bona phambili.

Trevor Noah on Chadwick Boseman

5. Live in accordance with God’s will

“I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly,” Coogler wrote. “He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that see much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.”

Ryan Coogler on Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman once said he prayed for the role of BLACK panther before he got it. He always looked different. Sounded different. I guess this can be linked to his Christian faith. Because Chadwick has also given a speech at a Christian gathering. This is also supported by his pastor who says Chadwick Boseman sustained his faith till the very end.

This is a constant reminder to always communicate with God in whatever you do. Sustain and stay strong in your faith with Him. Always remember Him in your youth. Let Him guide and lead you all the days of your life.

Yeah. So those are the five tips on living a black excellent life like Chadwick Boseman.

Rest in Power, King.

Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness.

Russo Brothers on Chadwick Boseman

Seven Golden Rules of Creativity: How to Stay in Touch with your Creative Self

Does creativity work best with rules? Creativity is always seen as an unstoppable force unhinged by principles. Yet, most creatives acknowledge they only produce astonishing works through discipline and a set of guidelines. And I am here to share some of these guidelines.

In this article, I am sharing seven rules you can apply in your creative thinking. By the end of this post, you will learn these techniques of creativity often applied by other people. These rules are extremely important for a modern and ambitious millennial like you.

7 Golden Rules of Creativity by Zamai Banje
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

1. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU CREATE

You have probably heard of the philosophy to create as freely and wildly as you can. In most cases, this is counterintuitive. Some creatives fall into an abyss of mediocrity after dabbling into negative creativity. This negative innovation includes creating information that harms others or influence users into negative habits.

Using these products eventually affect the creator. Be careful what you create. Creativity must always come from a source of positivity and the drive to help others.

2. TRUST IN YOUR WORK

Be a firm believer in what you do and create. You are your biggest fan. People will only trust you if they see the passion and drive you put in your creative process.

Trust that your work is good for someone out there to see. Learn to trust in the process. Constantly hone your craft with a strong belief in yourself and your talents.

3. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS

Creativity comes from a source of tranquillity and serenity. A disorganized mind leaves no room for genuine creativity. When your thoughts are messy and cluttered, you tend to create mediocre stuff. Search yourself; the facts don’t lie.

Learn to organize your thoughts. Get a notebook or dedicated app to start jotting down your thoughts. Your thoughts often range from ideas, strategies, conversations to ramblings. Learn to segment them using journals.

To learn more about journaling, read this article: Journaling: How To Constantly Channel and Control Your Thoughts

4. OBSERVE WITH CHILDLIKE CURIOSITY

Don’t just be curious. Be curious like a child. Begin every day with the urge to learn something new. View each interaction as an opportunity to get inspired. Be happy no matter the circumstances. This kind of lifestyle will positively increase your creativity.

Curiosity keeps you focused on trends and new improvements in your chosen craft and purpose. Curiosity allows you stay on the path where passion falters.

5. STAY BORED

Boredom is first allowed before creativity comes in. We often create to break out of a rut or to experience something new. This invariably means boredom always precedes creativity. Learn to acknowledge that boredom is necessary for originality and innovation to exist.

Remember to stay bored once in a while. Then use this phase to experience a fresh bout of creativity in your craft.

6. SHARE YOUR WORK

Sharing your work is an integral part when applying these golden rules of creativity. After building trust in yourself and your talents; showcase your work shamelessly. If you are a bit shy, start small by showing your work to a close group of friends and family. This is how I started too.

Learn to appreciate the good feedback. Pick out points to improve from negative and constructive feedback too. You can only do this when you share your work.

7. BELIEVE IN SOMETHING BIGGER

This is the last golden rule of creativity but it is arguably the most important. Constantly remind yourself that you are part of something bigger. Your talents, abilities and work impact more lives than you can imagine. You are a vessel, not the source. Learn to view your creative style from a source of endless inspiration and innovation. This is the only way to keep creating excellent work.

Most importantly, believe in the Creator, have faith and have a sense of purpose.

Cheers to your creative self.