FC - We all want to be attractive. To get to the next level in our lives,
we are trying to "attract" people: investors, employees, voters,
customers, suppliers, friends, a mate, Facebook friends, Twitter
followers, etc. Of course, we need to turn up the attraction far beyond
physical beauty and style to reach our goals in today's
hyper-competitive world.
As a venture capitalist, I have the unenviable job of saying no over
200 times more than I say yes. Yet despite these odds, VC's are tripping
over themselves to invest in the most attractive entrepreneurs. Here
are six key things the most talented entrepreneurs do. They also can be
applied to whatever it is you are trying to attract in your own life:
1) Lead with Passion: When you are passionate about
your ideas and connected to the purpose behind your mission, your
attractiveness goes through the roof. In the words of military theorist
Ferdinand Foch, "The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on
fire." Amen.
2) Don't Fake It: Nowadays, we all have highly
developed "bullshit detectors." Keep it real. Authenticity trumps
fancy-talk any day. Trust must be earned and can be shattered in an
instant. Stop being apologetic for who you are not, and celebrate who
you are.
3) Be Interested Instead of Interesting: Dale
Carnegie had it right--you attract others when you are genuinely
interested in them. Listen more, talk less. Ask questions and seek to
understand. You'll be amazed how everyone suddenly wants to be your
friend.
4) Don't Waiver: If you are second-guessing yourself
or your ideas, so will others. Confidence is the most attractive
attribute in any act of persuasion, personal or business. Stand firm to
your beliefs, and in turn, others will gravitate to you.
5) Be Remarkable: The world doesn't need another
me-too anything. Whether you're selling your product, yourself, or your
vision, make sure they are unique and compelling. Dream your own dreams,
not a slight variation of someone else's.
6) Make a Difference: If your idea is a scheme to
make piles of cash at the expense of the world, you'll have an easier
time pushing boulders up a mountain. If you are solving a real human
problem and truly working to make the world a better place, it will show
and you will shine.
The toll booth to your next level of greatness is likely an upcoming
act of persuasion. Seize these laws of attraction, and you'll have more
pull than a high-powered magnet. Focus on who you are, and the money,
friends, team members, lovers, and supporters will materialize as if
they were ordered from Amazon.com. Overnight delivery.
