ATTENTION PLEASE!

(PART 2)

BE OUTSTANDING.

When we think of the word "outstanding," we usually think of excellence, but being outstanding also means to "stand out." If you want to stand out, do your best to be the best at something. If you want to draw the attention of your spouse, for example, be the best husband or wife you can be. If you want to get a better job, be extraordinarily competent in your current job and seek to learn more to advance your career.

You don't always have to be outstanding at something that's directly related to your goal. For example, you'll find that people who are very successful in whatever pursuit they choose in life often draw the attention of, or date, beautiful women or good-looking guys, even if their particular field of excellence has nothing to do with being a good mate. If you're outstanding at something, just about anything, you'll draw people's attention.

BE SUBTLE.

A patient, subtle approach is important in developing your image because if you look like you're trying too hard to draw attention, you'll simply end up branding yourself as someone who craves attention, which is generally not a desirable attribute.

As an example, imagine you want to get attention in order to make friends. If you stand on your head and insult people, you'll likely get attention for a little while, but you probably won't make friends--everybody will know you're just desperate for attention.

On the other hand, if you draw attention to yourself by wearing a smile, making a conversation with people, or joining a sports team, you'll build a more positive brand and get more attention in long run.

6. BE HUMBLE.

Be outstanding, be confident, be assertive, but don't be arrogant. Even if you truly excel at just about everything, people will try to tune you out or even resent you, if you are a jerk. Don't tell people how awesome you are, show them, and don't make a big deal out of it. Don't blow your own horn too much.

Draw attention to yourself in the wrong ways, and you'll likely end up getting ignored. You need to make a conscious effort day in and day out to draw positive, beneficial attention, but make your effort look effortless, and draw attention by doing positive things.

Drawing attention to yourself isn't always good. You don't want to draw the attention of the tax man, for example, or the playground bully.

Excerpted By: Timo Steve

2007 Shaques Publishing Inc