Bill Myers

Maybe it's no surprise that among the qualifications for almost any job is 'must be good with people'.

Most employers know that an individual who has the ability to make others feel good about themselves is one of the most valuable assets they can have. Whether the job is sales, management, customer relations or janitor, the person who is 'good with people' generally will see the earliest promotions, the choice job assignments, and the fastest career track.

The same is true with those in business for themselves. If you are 'good with people', you will be remembered by those you come in contact with. Which is, of course, good for business.

And even if they don't do business with you right away, people will remember you and find it easy to recommend you to others - because you are a likable person and pleasant to deal with.

Think about it, would you rather do business with someone who is pleasant or someone who is unpleasant? It's human nature to choose the more likable person, and most people will do exactly that.

Where do you fit it? Are you 'good with people'? If not, you might want to think about following the advice of Mary Kay Ash. She said, "Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says,'Make Me Feel Important'. Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life."

Not a bad idea.