Be sure to point out that you are not directly seeking a job from them. On the other hand, make no secret of the fact that you are eager to learn about any new opportunity to work in any capacity (either full-time or on a contract basis). Just make clear that there is no implied obligation by having this meeting.

While in the meeting, you want to learn as much about the individual and their company as possible. Don't just sit down and start talking about yourself, which can be a bad habit. I know from experience that many cases, the person I am meeting with begin the meeting with the words, �So, tell me about yourself.� When this happens, I open up a little, but also make an effort to swing the topic of the conversation from �me� to �them.�

Ask questions about the company (you could start out by telling them what you already know, easily learned through some modest research before the meeting), and what their needs are. This is a great way to practice effective listening skills (more on that later). When learning about the person you are talking to, seek out something the two of you might have in common. Do you have any other acquaintances in common? Perhaps you might belong to some other similar groups or activities?

Life's Most Important Skill

In work, in family, in business, in all walks of life, you must learn to work and interact with other people. This requires the building of positive, sincere relationships. Yet you would be amazed at how many people are completely lost when it comes to true, effective communication.

Listening is the most important skill you can ever develop. Listening is key to mutual understanding, which forms the basis for successful relationships. When sincere understanding and caring are present in any relationship, it transcends that relationship above the daily "transactions" which may occur. Disagreements and other issues which may end a less stable relationship become almost trivial when two people share an understanding of what lies in the heart and mind of the other.

In any relationship, you will never always share agreement. But you must always strive to share understanding. This is why it is crucial for you to learn to listen to all people you encounter and relate to in your life.

How to Listen

Effective listening is described here as a skill, but in reality, it is a simple habit of communication. Like language itself, it becomes second nature.

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