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There isn’t many things in life that are truly priceless. One of those priceless things, is the ability to connect with people.

I’m not talking about being fake, or getting to know people so you can recruit them into your business or sell them your product.

Those people might see some prosperity upfront, but long term they are doomed to live a miserable and lonely life. Depressing I know.

The most satisfying life comes from making connections with others and building friendships that last forever.

The 10 Habits of Connecting With People

1. Be genuine – The reason I put this at number 1 is because personally I don’t think it”s possible to make connections unless your genuine. If you are emailing and calling people to get yourself up the food chain don’t bother.

People who are high, in social status can see right through it.

Your intention should be to build a bridge with that person and bring them into your life. You have to care, period!

2. Active Listening – Believe it or not listening is a skill and only the biggest thinkers have it. Most of you reading this, might think you have it but look back at all your conversations in the last 30 days.

How much did you talk?

Did you ask the majority of the questions?

Are you thinking about your next questions while someone is talking?

Did it feel like the person your were with enjoyed your company?

Answering these simple questions, will reveal to you whether or not you are an active listener or active talker.

3. Be Happy – The substance in this subject can fill hundreds of books.

But you don’t need to know very much to start feeling happy.

Simply look in the mirror and admit to yourself who you are, what you are unhappy with and set yourself some solid standards in what you want to happen in your life.

Personally, I never felt genuinely happy until I practiced gratefulness everyday. This made me appreciate what I had, where I was in my life and who I have become.

4. Make them a priority – Did you know 90% of people don’t care about your interests. With the advent of the internet, there is no excuse to do your pre-work and learn about someone before you meet them.

Find out what their passions are, what gets there heart beating fast and what you can use to relate to them.

5. Clean Up – Would you want to talk to someone who has dog and cheese breath, or looks like they just fell in the dirt?

Clean yourself up, cut your hair and make sure your clothes match. It doesn’t get much simpler than this.

You don’t have to wear expensive clothing, or bust out a $10,000 watch on your wrist. Just be presentable physically and people will enjoy being around you more.

6. Be Memorable – In your life you have thousands of run in’s with other human beings. Which one’s do you remember most?

Now, what did they do to be remembered?

- Were they good looking?

- Did they make you laugh?

- Were they sincerely interested in finding out about you?

- Did they dress and act sharp?

Being memorable comes easy to some people, and hard for others.  You have to work at it, so don’t be afraid to mess up a few times.

7. Always be creating trust – Everytime you meet someone new, it’s that 1rst experience that starts building trust. Always be on time, do what you say, share where you really are in your life and be authentic. Simple?

8. Remember Names – This should be obvious, but most only remember their own name. When you meet someone, use there name at least 3 times in 3 different sentences. This will avoid that awkward goodbye where they say your name, but you have to ask for theirs.

And no… “not being good with names is not a good excuse.”

9. Get rid of strangers – A big habit that good networkers have is that they don’t treat anybody like a stranger. They approach and talk to others as if they are already friends.

Don’t mistake this for being fake-nice, which some people use when they have a “Im going to sell you something” motive. Remember habit #1 – Be Genuine.

10. Be Interesting – I know most of you avoid talking to people because you don’t lead a very interesting life. Well, I don’t blame you.

But you can no longer use that as an excuse. You have to take charge of your life and start putting yourself out there.

Pick up new hobbies, go to new stores, new restaurants, maybe even start taking walks where people gather. Starting these simple habits will immediately make you more interesting and help you live a more fulfilled life.