Secrets of Success in the Digital Age Part 2

Comment: This is a continuation of the "Secrets of Success in the Digital Age". In Part 1, the take away was to speak to other people's needs and craft digital messages in ways that inspire people and promote common principles. In this post, we will look at  ways to make a lasting impression. 

Six Ways to Make a Lasting Impression

Dale Carnegie purports that in order to influence people one has the have a durable positive impression. Durable means that the impression withstands challenges and time. Positive means the impression is genuine, sincere, upbeat, and earnest appealing to common principles that all accept. The impression means that some sort of value based judgement is made regarding your efforts, agenda, and goals. Carnegie points to six principles that endears one to a durable positive impression.

Figure 1: Reagan
The Great Optimist

1. Begin with an interest in others. Seek to find and clarify mutual benefits then align with purpose. Demonstrate appreciation and as matter of routine practice and social networking. Tap into the relationship potential through digital media.
2. Smile. People wear their souls on their face and often wear masks as well. Nonetheless, the smile is the most endearing facial feature.  It is contagious. Others flock to happy people. President Reagan, Figure 1, was noted as being the Great Optimist.  The tool of friendliness is your voice in digital media.  Written words are permanent and people feel the words. Smile in order to increase your face value! 
3. Reign with Names: Remember that the sweetest thing to a persons ear is their name.  Treat names as a revelation of personalities, character, and fate. When you hear a name meditate on the name fixing into your mind by using techniques such as pegging in which the name is attached to a logo, brand, or some unique identifier. Use the name correctly. Digital media can tempt you to become more familiar and casual with strangers than you have earned that right. Before becoming too casual, know them in the right context.   
4. Listen longer: People want to be heard. So give that to them. Use active listening methods of engagement which is more than looking in the eyes, leaning forward, and being attentive which is passive. Active listening is engaging by repeating what they have said, asking questions, and relating to their comments. Listening in this way builds bridges. Be sure to ask questions in person when possible. Use them to get to know someone better.
5. Discuss what matters to them: Create bridge-building dialogue. Embrace all methods of communication. Use the social media to bring people together in common interest. There is a difference between followers and friends. Followers rarely interact. Friends engage in real meaningful human interactions. Relationships involve risk. To influence others the risk has to be accepted. Examine your message. How many really matter? Make sure the messages are ones that really matter. 
6. Leave others a little better off than when you first meet them: In humans relationships there is no neutral exchanges. either you leave a situation a little better off or leave it a little worse off.  Choose to be humble and influence through your actions. Assess the effects of your digital interactions. Do they they help or hinder the situation? If we have a heart to influence others to action then we understand the core desires of others. Find ways to serve others, add value, and improve lives regularly. This demonstrates your intentions and inspires others.  The incorrect focus on big pictures can overlook the small opportunities that cause big differences. 

In the information age our being, essence, and virtues are extended through the digital media in numerous ways to include tone, expressions, and focus. We need to learn how to manage these in the digital realm. People with a high emotional quotient, EQ as opposed to IQ, are more apt to influence others in face-to-face engagements. There needs to be a virtual EQ as well that accounts for presentation in the virtual realm. This challenge will become greater as the virtual and natural realms collide, fuse, and blend in the coming years in ways that are currently unimaginable. It is best to begin today learning and honing skills.

References:

Carnegie, D. (1981). How to win friends and influence people. New York: Pocket Books.

Carnegie, D. (2012). Secrets of success in the Digital Age: Essentials of Engagement.  Resourced on 19 Oct 2013 from Secrets of Success in the Digital Age - HR.com.