The Secret to Becoming Memorable
You look down, they know you’re lying and up, they know you don’t know the truth. Don’t use seven words when four will do. Don’t shift your weight, look always at your mark but don’t stare, be specific but not memorable, be funny but don’t make him laugh. He’s got to like you then forget you the moment you’ve left his side. And for God’s sake, whatever you do, don’t, under any circumstances…
– Rusty Ryan, Oceans 11, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2001
The 2001 remake of Ocean’s Eleven is one of my favorite, go-to movies whenever I just want to relax and be entertained. The witty banter, funky music and…well, who doesn’t enjoy a good ol’ Las Vegas story?
In the above scene, Rusty Ryan, played by Brad Pitt, offers advice to Linus (Matt Damon) just before he steps into their latest con scheme. The goal is for Linus to “sell” the con, and put into place yet another important piece of the complicated scheme to rob a Las Vegas casino.
Certainly, I am not endorsing your undertaking an elaborate con. Rather, I ask what are you doing, deliberately, to sell your own capabilities to those around you to make a legitimate, positive impact toward achieving what you deserve?
Make This Year Different
Making change is difficult. No doubt you have found changing old habits, processes, systems and perspectives always less than an easy task. Making change successful, however, is more than just rolling the dice. Here are some simple IdeaChargers to get you started:
- Read More
Become a student of the world. Pick a topic-any topic. Learn about something you know very little about. Hell, read a novel instead of yet another business book. Just read. - “Wing It” Less
There is no substitute for experience. There is also nothing greater than being prepared BEFORE you need that experience. - Stop Repeating What You Know
Offer more insight into what you know. Quotes are convenient. Knowledge is power. Opinion sets you apart. - Build Connections Before You Need Them
Spend 20 minutes per day reaching out to people you already know. Find out what/how they are really doing and connect them with someone else, then, step back. [This is a longer-term strategy for results and one which averagely successful people most often overlook.] - Be You
You have a gift. You are unique. At all costs, do not let your gift become a commodity. Dig in and get to know yourself, first. Then, share it with the world!
New years resolutions are convenient, but unnecessary. The time to begin your own path to success starts now. Practice the above five concepts above, and watch what happens. Here is my promise:
You Will Be More Memorable!
Are You Already A Step Ahead?
Share how one or more of the above points have made an impact on you already. Or, hold yourself accountable by posting a comment to put how you plan to make yourself memorable.
