Increase Your Popularity and Improve Your Career & Social Life

Opportunity is often described as an open door and the best way to increase the number of open doors in your life is to know and interact with a variety of friends and acquaintances. Even seemingly popular people often struggle with anxiety around social situations. Overcoming your fears and apprehension around new people will not only improve your chances of success in life but will make your life more fulfilling as well. Follow these simple tips and watch your social life change for the better.

1- Dress for Success. Each day is the most important day of your life, so dress the part! Whether you will be attending an important business meeting, a gathering of friends or simply a trip to the grocery store, dress for success. If you give the appearance of being important, that is how people will perceive you.

2- Walk with Poise & Posture. Carrying yourself with your shoulders back and your head high makes you appear confident, even if you may not feel that way inside. People who carry themselves with poise are more approachable and will be taken more seriously.

3- Master the Art of Small Talk. Talking to strangers may seem intimidating at first. You might fear that you will not be well received. Who knows who might be having a bad day and not want to chat with a stranger like yourself? Small talk is an excellent way to get to talk to someone. That person may just be your future friend or colleague or soul mate! Don't let precious opportunities pass you by. You might start by giving someone a genuine compliment such as "I was just admiring your sweater. I was actually looking for something similar myself." Or, "You wouldn't happen to know where the nearest newstand is, would you?" The person may or may not be receptive of your statement or inquiry but it will at least help you practice ways of talking to people whom you do not know. Try to make small talk with at least one new person each day. The more people you talk with, the greater the chances you will meet someone with whom you really hit it off!

4- Use Body Language to Reinforce Your Message. Studies have shown that people who enjoy one another's company will mirror eachother's body language. Notice how someone is standing when speaking to you and mirror that. If their weight is leaning towards their left side, mirror this by shifting your weigh to your left side. Is their hand on their hip? Do the same. This will send a nonverbal message that says, "We're very similar."

5- Always Be Nice & Cheerful. Anyone with whom you want to be in correspondence with is likely someone who makes you feel good. Others will want the same from you. Nobody likes to hang around a Debbie Downer. Even if you're not having the best day, be sure to smile and use your manners. Say "please" and "thank you" and maintain a positive attitude.

6- Maintain Relationships. It's easy for relationships to dwindle if no effort is made to maintain them. A popular excuse is that you do not have the time to return calls right away or check in with someone. All you need is 5 minutes a day. Make sure that you are constantly going through your rolodex and reaching out to someone each day. It can be a short email, a quick phone call or a hand written note. Don't feel guilty about cutting a phone call short. Just say, "Well, I hate to cut this short but I need to run but I'm so glad I got to chat with you." You should try and stay interested in the other person. Ask them questions that are relevant to them. Perhaps someone is moving into a new home. Ask them how it is going or what their new neighborhood is like. Perhaps you can share a related anecdote that you've experienced. There is always something to talk about and conversations will get easier and come more naturally the more you practice.