As we are starting the new year, I thought I would share some skills that I believe all men should have or should at least be working on for 2012. These skills will help this year be the one that separates you from the other guys.
1. Compliments – Being able to give a sincere compliment without seeming needy can be a hard thing to do. It’s a skill, and like others, can be sharpened and practiced everyday. The better you get at it the more effective it becomes. Well-placed compliments can make or break an interaction. To hone this craft, start by sending out compliments like machine gun fire indiscriminately to everyone you meet. Once you can make anyone smile whenever you choose while being detached from the outcome, feel free to channel your focus and allow this skill to be targeted to what you really want in life.
2. Throwing a party – In this day and age it’s all about who you know, and without proper hosing and party throwing skills, you can be left on the outside looking in. This skill, much like the others, can be practiced and honed and even the most introverted personality can fake his way through a fine evening of cocktails and chatter. A few simple tricks to remember… keep it small to start. Perhaps a dinner party or pre cocktails before a show or a night bar hopping. Throw on some festive tunes and learn to make a few simple but interesting cocktails. Invite your guests and make sure everyone meets each other. One small tip: When introducing people who have never met before, give some value and a few small factoids about each person to help initiate a conversation. That should keep you busy throughout the evening.
3. A decent 1st date. – Whether you meet a girl online or at the club Friday night, make sure you can follow up that good first impression with a flawless and enjoyable date. Forget about the dinner and movie standard. You will find yourself fishing for things to talk about. The tension and awkwardness of those kinds of dates can be overwhelming. Keep those kinds of dates for when you are already in a relationship. Keep it simple and fun and make it something enjoyable that keeps the focus of the date off of each other and on an activity so that you can connect naturally. The silliest dates are the best.
4. Nailing your first impression – Without a good first impression, asking for the date or having some new friends over for a few drinks is out of the question. Keep a positive attitude, smile and have a proper handshake and you will make a good first impression. The art of the active listening scores points as well. Is shows a general interest and allows people to feel good about themselves. When people feel good about themselves, they look to keep those feeling going which means they will want to keep hanging out with you.
5. Knowing some kitchen basics – I hate to say it guys, but I will. There are women today that don’t have the kitchen skills that their mothers had. With more and more women becoming independent and working full time jobs, learning the skill of cooking has been put on the back burner. Looking to find yourself a new mom to take care of you and cook you Mac n Cheese is getting harder every day. If you know how to whip up an easy breakfast or quick dinner, your points are going to go through the roof. You can find easy to cook recipes via a quick search in Google. Always remember to keep it simple.
What other skills do you think all men should have in 2012?
Check out The Art of Charm Academy for an easy way to acquire these skills!
I’d also add that men should dress/present themselves better. There’s a phrase in business that states ‘dress for the job that you WANT to have’ I think this should be applied on a daily basis. eg; sneakers are for the gym, NOT for drinks in the evening. Grown ups wear shoes, jackets, etc.
Nice one Don, let’s add it to the list. Though some of these are common sense, I like seeing what you guys feel are most important.
Add to that skill about dressing the skill of ironing clothes, as I believe you once mentioned in one of your podcasts. Permanent press only goes so far.
It’s funny that you mention ironing, there has got to be a better way then how I do it. Ha!
These are totally tangible skills! Another skill to add to the list is simple dancing. I am always complimented by woman and yet surprised at how much they complain about men who will not dance with them. They are not asking for John Travolta, they just want a man who can lead their body.
Nice Fernando, with free classes and youtube there really isn’t a reason not to have at least one competent move.
I’m going to second Fernando on this one. Dancing. Guys, if you can dance, you’ll literally sweep a girl off her feet. Approach from the side, introduce yourself and ask for the dance.
Wow her with a few swingouts and you’re golden. Not a swing dancer? Learn the basic steps of all the standard dances (Waltz, Rock n’ Roll, Foxtrot, plus one local dance – here in Germany, it’s DiscoFox)
You’ll get fit, meet great people, and have a laugh. Plus it’s a whole new community to enrich your lifestyle.
Awesome Logan!
It’s probably not a “Skill” but more so just a good thing to do (in this day and age). One thing guys need is some degree of social network savviness”. Because girls will check you out via networking sites or heck, they might even Google you. So just make sure your name comes up clean and aren’t attached to any negative or unsavory websites. Also, don’t litter your social networking sites with stupid status updates (or pictures) that are crude, boring or nonsensical. If you have to go through your “Wall” and clean out all the clutter, then do so. Save the stuff that sounds good and gets lots of comments and positive feedback. Let the social networking site work for you in a positive way. Because it serves as a reflection of who you are.
Agreed man. Good call!