The Power Of Approachability: How To Become An Effective, Engaging Communicator One Conversation At A Time

by Scott Ginsberg

Approachability is not a personal characteristic - it's a way of life! It's a way of business, a way of conversation and a way of social interaction. Most importantly, approachability is essential to your success as an unforgettable communicator - one conversation at time. While there are many other self-help books on communication, this is first and only book to examine the essential element of approachability. What's more, this is not just a "how-to" book, it's a "how-to- become " book. You will *How to become a great conversationalist
*How to become unforgettable in your first impressions
*How to become a networking superhero
*How to become the epitome of approachability in your business and personal lives

And much more!

220 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Barry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitled, “How to Become an Effective, Engaging, Communicator One Conversation at a Time.” Scott is the young man who wears a nametag “Hello, my name is Scott” 24/7, even went so far as to have it tattooed on his chest. He admits to not completing college, having held numerous jobs in retail, etc., just someone who has become an international expert on “Approachability.” Scott is one of the youngest members of the National Speaker’s Bureau and has literally presented to individuals and corporations around the world. This book is insightful, funny and very practical. Speaking of the importance of having a “front porch” where people can meet and chat (his is his nametag), chapters include how to become “unforgettable” (have flavored answers to fruitless questions – “How are you?” “Spectacular!”), improving your conversational skills, better use of email and the telephone and how to enhance and maximize your use of networking. The book ends with advice on dealing with customers, best use of organizational memberships (who’s the new guy?) and creating serendipity.
Scott communicates in short bursts of information with diverse examples from his personal experiences. He also has a website, www.hellomynameisscott.com, where he makes available hundreds of short articles he has written and has recently launched a free online video series called www.nametagtv.com. The book ends with a short glossary of terms (for example, he says when people answer that they are F.I.N.E., that is really “feelings I’m not expressing”. C.P.I. is “common points of interest”, etc.), some insights on great questions to start a conversation, trivia to use in meeting others, advice on remembering people’s names and even guidelines on the use of nametags.
His “three pillars” of front porches are:
1. You will meet new and valuable people.
2. You will learn from every connection.
3. You will be enriched by the reciprocation.
At several points in the book he quotes the Bible verse in Hebrews 13:2: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Scott even dedicates this book to Garrett, a stranger with whom he struck up a conversation about their favorite Thanksgiving holiday memories on a bus in Portland, a stranger who serendipitously was involved in launching his career in being “that guy with the nametag.” Scott had no idea that Garrett’s girlfriend wrote for the Portland Tribune!

[Nathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Communication is a very important skill to have in the business world; it gets money flowing and keeps businesses functioning. Being a powerful communicator won't just enhance your business, but it will also enhance your relationships with friends and family. Author Scott Ginsberg writes on a less-discussed topic of communication: being approachable. "The Power of Approachability" is a guide that will help you: engage with others, build stronger relationships, and have better networks.

Personally, I find the book to be overly simple. The tips presented in the book hold little real value. For example, some things that Ginsberg lists as barriers to communication include: opening with insults, crossing arms and forgetting names. A lot of the tips stated in the book lean towards the obvious side. I was expecting deeper analysis and stronger points but what the book gives instead are a bunch of business plugs, typos, and a lot experiences from Ginsberg's life. The book seems to convey that wearing a nametag instantly makes you more approachable,which is not true. I wouldn't recommend this book to anybody; if you are looking to improve your approachability or communication skills, almost any book will do a better job than this one.

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

what's most interesting about this book (which was given to me by my mother so as not to appear sexist at Christmas when she gave my brother a ton of professional books) is observing the author make a business out of selling books like this to people who really take him seriously. people that make a living out of speaking on topics for which presumably they have no real professional experience, but "research" topics like networking, and then hold a conference on it. i must have counted about 45 different terms throughout the book that his company then "trade marked". he even sells "my card" - blank business cards so at networking events, if a contact you want doesn't have any more cards left, you can give him this blank one to fill out. go to the author's website to order your own 15 pack!!

[Jen]

Really funny and some good tips...

[Robin]

How to be an Engaging communicator.