The Secret To Being Comfortable

If you slid me a cup of cocoa like the one in the picture it would be hard for me not to get comfortable quick.

Chatting over a Cup of Joe always seems to help everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed.  The hot chocolate in your photo looks very yummy by the way!

Gary, I always give a compliment first about them in some way as it really breaks the ice for them.   Chocolate......don't get me started this late at night on it.  Another great post. 

GARY

I too believe in listening to others intently. Coffee has really made a big come back with all the flavors and is a great way to ease into a conversation

Gary - great post!  I love coffee meetings....they give you something to do with your hands - one hand steadies the cup and the other takes notes!  Most of my meetings are virtual ones (telemeetings or video conference), but occasionally I do get out for an actual face to face.

Gary this is a post after my own heart and you've managed to do a fine job of breaking the ice in this conversation as you always do - not sure how you knew I'd be stopping by but very hospitable to have that lovely warm mocha.... spiked with espresso on the table :)  thanks for the break. now back to work :)

People tell me the most amazing things and my husband a retired cop has that unique talent too.  It's just who we are I think, sometimes, like on vacation when we are trying to relax it can be challenging but mostly we like people and it's a good thing.

Oh Gary, I DO know how to make Cowboys feel comfortable!! Not always with chocolate, but the whipped cream comes in handy.

Thanks for the creative way you make very important points. Great post as always.

Hi Gary:

Comfortable is a word that I use on a daily basis with my customers!

If they're not comfortable, then I'm not comfortable...

Gary - I'm not sure how I do it exactly, but I have a way of 'disarming' people and if they don't laugh, they will certainly scratch their head and wonder what happened.  LOL 

One thing is certain in this world - there are no strangers, only friends we haven't met yet.

Gary, I believe some folks have a natural ability to make people feel comfortable at home, and others have to really work hard at it. On my first meet up with a potential client, I am just trying to build trust and get to know them. Who you are in real life overflows into your business relationships. Being open and warm goes a long way in starting the process.

Gary--Sometimes a smile at the right time just takes the edge of the situation. Good thoughts to start the day....Thanks!

Good tips Gary.  Sometimes I take a bit to warm up to strangers myself so I think I will try out your suggestions.  Thanks for the ideas.  kM

I am so wanting a cup of hot cocoa right now. When I meet potential clients in my office, I always ask them if they'd like something to drink. If it's 90 degrees in the shade, I'll bring in glasses of ice water to the conference room and place them in front of the chairs before my clients show up. I also set copies of the material I am going to give them in front of their spots. It makes them feel welcome and expected. Inviting a client into my office is no different, in some ways, than inviting a friend into my home, and being a gracious host never goes out of style.

Gary:  I am the ultimate icebreaker.  Humor is my tool of choice.  I never take anything too seriously, and often use myself as the butt of jokes.  Self-deprecating humor lets people know you don't think of yourself as above them.

Hi Gary, It has been 9 days since i have been active here and sort of have an excuse if one is needed but i save that for a post.

This is some great advise and it should be a conscious change that people make. We are in too big of hurry heading in directions we don't always know. Seems to me that slowing down and making the journey more enjoyable by bringing others along would be a good change. Making others feel comfortable is also an art but it is one that everyone can learn. Its starts with sincerity and sincere desire to do so. Life will change right before your eyes. Especially if being happy with the way others respond to you is meaningful.

Another great point!  I worked as a cashier at a grocery store while in college.  This was a great place for me to learn how to make conversation with strangers, and that has come in handy in my RE career. 

Some people are naturals at this. 

Patricia Aulson/  Hampton NH Real Estate

Good suggestion Gary. You are right about the chocolate too-who can refuse it? Good blog......