Many of you probably think of a pitcher coming to seal a win in the 9th inning. Maybe you think of a greasy salesman who comes in and closes the deal. I think of an awesome networker and established Washington, D.C. professional.
Every person is vulnerable and deals with insecurity. Bad people look for insecurities in others and try to exploit it while good people know that is the perfect time to close. What do I mean by close? I mean bringing finality to an interaction.
For example I have jumped on the phone to give advice to probably over 300 young professionals by this point. Often I have this tiny voice in my head saying things like “this advice is generic, they could get this anywhere, or who are you to be telling anyone how to do things?” I try my best to shut that voice up but nothing does it like an email two hours later saying “Tommy thanks for the amazing advice. I feel like I have a plan and am so motivated to put into practice what you told me.” That is great closure to an interaction. It makes me feel valued, appreciated, and good about myself. Moving forward I will subconsciously associate that person with feeling happy and will want to have continued interactions with them in the future.
We all have the ability to silence other people’s little voices of self-doubt and the more you do it for other people the more they will like you and the more they like you the more likely they are to help you out or work hard for you. Those who are in the D.C. Boot Camp learn how to write great follow up emails to reiterate promises and action items while also bringing closure to the interaction…it can be powerful! I challenge you to go out and do this wherever you can. Next time a classmate or co-worker does a presentation just go up to them after and tell them good job. Sounds small but I promise otherwise they will walk out wondering if was good enough. Your small gesture will mean a lot and bring some closure to a likely anxious event.
D.C. Hopefuls Fellowship member Elliot Cole is the master at this practice. Of course he sends great follow up thank you emails when networking but he is quick to let you know how much he appreciated the quick chat or advice. He is great at closing out each interaction on a positive and self-assuring note.
It is not a coincidence that the three highest-ranking people I have ever worked for are the best three I’ve ever seen at this simple skill. I guarantee they did not start to wait doing this until they rose to the top leadership post in their organization, so I encourage you to go out and close everyday!
Stay Steadfast,
Tommy Pevehouse