Be yourself' is good advice, unless you notice that people are always excusing themselves and moving away from you. In that case, try being someone else!

Conversation takes practice; the more we do it, the better we get, and the more easily we do it.

Spare me the people who ask, 'Have you thought about ... losing weight, hiring an assistant, buying a Pentium, working with an etiquette specialist, coloring your hair?

Good listeners are perceived as good conversationalists.

Small talk is the biggest talk we do.

The rewards go to the risk-takers, those who are willing to put their egos on the line and reach out to other people and to a richer, fuller life for themselves.

The time spent identifying your base of contacts is an investment in your success and the success of others with whom you share your resources.