The Art of People

Whenever you have to network and sell yourself, it is always a great idea to learn how to have better communication skills. To do this I like to read different books to learn different tips and tricks. A couple of weeks ago, I came across Dave Kerpen’s book The Art of People: 11 Simple People Skills that will Get you Everything you Want. He is the founder and CEO of Likeable Local, a social media software company and co-founder of Likeable Media, an award-winning content marketing firm for brands. He has also been featured by CNBC, BBC, ABC World News Tonight, CBS’s the Early Show, and the New York Times.

I couldn’t wait to start reading it but sadly didn’t learn anything I didn’t already know. What I did learn from his book is if you are a woman then I wouldn’t read it instead I would suggest reading #Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso. If you are a man then I would recommend reading this book.

I felt Kerpen’s tone was very arrogant and cocky. Some parts of it I felt like he put down women. I may have read it in that way because of my life situation at the time when I was reading it. Some examples, in chapter 4, he explains that no one cares about you or what you say by writing “Just about no stranger cares about you or what you have to say nearly as much as she cares about herself and what she has to say..”   Another downgrade on women was in chapter 27 called “Its Better to be Happy than Right.” This chapter talks about how it is better to just walk away even though you know you are right then to have a heated argument. Instead of using an example from both sides he only gives examples of what his wife did wrong and not what he has done wrong. He used examples of how his wife was wrong and instead of arguing with her he walked away waiting for her to come back to him apologizing for being wrong.

Embrace the fear of “no.” Then ask for the “yes.”

His book wasn’t all bad. There were things I liked. He has it organized in fifty-three short chapters that are easy to follow and made for a fast read. At the end of each chapter, he gives you what he calls the FAST First Action Steps to Take. These are exercises help you use what he explained in that chapter.

For example Chapter 26, “You Never Get What You Don’t Ask For”. This chapter’s FAST First Action Steps to Take are:

1. Write down three things you want from people right now but haven’t been asking for. They can include things as small as a sale from a new customer or as large as a raise from your boss or more attention from your partner.
2. Let go of any fears, embarrassment, or shame you have about asking for things.
3. Set yourself up with opportunities, in person or via a phone or video call, to ask these three things of people. You can do this. Remember, a “no” is better than not asking for what you want.
4. Dream up something big that you want from someone, even if you think he’ll say yes to the idea. What’s the worst could happen?

Did I learn I learn anything new? I didn’t learn any new techniques on how to communicate better, but I did read how another person, who is successful, applies good communication skill.

Check out his website at: Click Here

Purchase the book at:  Amazon

“I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”

ABOUT THE ART OF PEOPLE

What does it take to win success and influence? Some people think that in today’s hyper-competitive world, it’s the tough, take-no-prisoners type who comes out on top. But in reality, argues New York Times bestselling author Dave Kerpen, it’s actually those with the best people skills who win the day. Those who build the right relationships. Those who truly understand and connect with their colleagues, their customers, their partners.  Those who can teach, lead, and inspire.

In a world where we are constantly connected, and social media has become the primary way we communicate, the key to getting ahead is being the person others like, respect, and trust. Because no matter who you are or what profession you’re in, success is contingent less on what you can do for yourself, but on what other people are willing to do for you.  Here, through 53 bite-sized, easy-to-execute, and often counterintuitive tips, you’ll learn to master the 11 People Skills that will get you more of what you want at work, at home, and in life. For example, you’ll learn:

·         The single most important question you can ever ask to win attention in a meeting
·         The one simple key to networking that nobody talks about
·         How to remain top of mind for thousands of people, every day
·         Why it usually pays to be the one to give the bad news
·         How to blow off the right people
·         And why, when in doubt, buy him a Bonsai
 
A book best described as “How to Win Friends and Influence People for today’s world,” The Art of People shows how to charm and win over anyone to be more successful at work and outside of it.Product Details:  Hardcover: 288 pages. Publisher: Crown Business (March 15, 2016). ISBN- 10:0553419404. ISBN- 13: 978-0553419405

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE KERPEN is an entrepreneur, speaker, bestselling author.  He is the founder and CEO of Likeable Local, a social media software company, and the chairman and co-founder of Likeable Media, an award-winning content marketing firm for brands.   He is among the most popular writers in LinkedIn’s Influencer program, one of the most-read contributors for Inc.com , and has been featured by CNBC, BBC, ABC World News Tonight, the CBS Early Show, the New York Times, and more. Dave has keynoted conferences and webinars across the globe.  He is a father to 3 beautiful children, husband to one amazing business partner, and trusted friend, colleague, and mentor to thousands.  http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2135614/dave-kerpen/