It matters little how good you are at your art, business, or craft... if your communication skills lack, you lack... period. And if you're lacking, any endeavor (personal or professional) that you undertake, will also suffer. Whether you realize it or not, first impressions always count, while second impressions often define.

Especially with business interactions, you're wise to convey to people that you are at least as interested in them as they are in you. Usually, you have to appear more interested in them to keep their attention. Otherwise you risk leaving people feeling flat or put off by you. We are all our own favorite subject. Interestingly, most people don't consciously realize this. But if you do, you're immediately have an upper hand. You instantly have an advantage when dealing with people and utilizing the laws of influence and persuasion. And awareness and action around these principles is paramount to long-term success in any field.

The circumstances of an interaction also matter. Are you approaching them, or have they approached you? Do you want something from them, or do they want something from you, or both? Is there conflict or consensus presently? Who are the other players involved in the situation? What's your perceived value at this moment? It's crucially important to understand the different approaches that different situations and circumstances require.

Communication is an art and a science. Your ability to competently manage your circumstances, relationships, and successfully interact with others is arguably the single greatest asset you possess. An inability to communicate effectively in all kinds of situations minimizes the impact of your other skills significantly, and ultimately the level of your success. Recognize the communication breakdown areas in your life and resolve to seek out solutions to do something about it!

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