I like to think of myself as an ordinary looking guy. I'm 37 years old, thinning hair...average looks. I don't wear $2,000 suits with pocket handkerchiefs or drive in $100,000 cars. However, I am the Founder and CEO of a $20 million recruiting firm which employed over 5,000 people last year and found jobs for hundreds of other career seekers. My point is...you never know who you are riding in an elevator with, who you are sitting next to at a Cubs game or on the train or eating your salad next to at lunch. Sit up straight....make eye contact with people....SMILE...and be friendly! I can't tell you how many people I say hello to in elevators or at restaurants who act like it's a crime to initiate a conversation with a stranger.
It's time to take the earphones out of your ears and learn the art of conversation. You may strike up a conversation with your next employer.
I remember reading Swimming with the Sharks by Harvey Mackay when I was 23 years old...it was given to me by one of my early bosses. I remember him writing that whenever he met someone who was over the top with customer service and work ethic, he'd hand him his card and say to call him and he would try to hire them at his company. I never forgot that and wish more people would realize that sort of opportunity exists if they can present themselves in an outgoing, positive way.
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