“Not monopolize the conversation. When I was younger, I suffered from this affliction. You want to be heard. You want people to notice you. You take it from the fact that everyone around you is letting you talk because you are saying some smart stuff. The fact is the opposite. There is an old saying – “It is better to be quiet and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Agreed. While not always ideal in every conversation, I try to talk in thirty second intervals -or make conversational points letting the other person take over.

I do not interrupt if they are making an important point – unless there is a lag in the conversation. I will also try to engage the person in a conversation about themselves.

I remember some years ago I use to know a man who was not very good with general conversation. I found out, quite by accident, that the one thing that sparked his interest was talking about his profession.

From that one brief experience, I learned at a very young age that people are neither for you – or against you – but are always interested in themselves.

So, if you make the people you talk to the center of the conversation – you will be much better received – and you will prevent – and all things being equal – people from looking for the Exit doors.

God did give us two ears and only one mouth for a reason (LOL!)..

The Hustler Also Sez..

“I like to use my knees and elbows. It doesn’t hurt to take some boxing or fighting classes. I like (and studied) Krav Maga.”

While I have not studied KM – I am thoroughly impressed with this fighting style. I think that it is the most practical in terms of real world combat situations.

I, too, was a bouncer in my younger days – part-time while going to college. I participated in only a few skirmishes (breaking up fights) and only once did I have to physically throw someone out.

The secret to my success (if you can call it that) is that I tried to keep a cool head in the face of drunken verbal abuse. We also had a dress code that always seemed to make someone mad when I told them they could not get in because of what they were wearing..

Once I explained why we were a little more formal then other clubs – and what they needed to wear – some people went home and changed – while others just left quietly.

Some people who imparted their drunken wisdom upon my person – even came back the following weekend to apologize and thank me for not over reacting to the situation.

It is not the easiest course of action to be a verbal punching bag for the general public. Nobody likes to be “dressed down” in front of the masses. But, overall, some well placed words and a helping hand (calling someone a cab) did create alot of good will – and a lot less violence..

Good list and great advice..

And thanks for the “Aces & Eights’ tip. I never split my Aces. Just the tens. Never even thought to split the eights..

Looks like I was woefully wrong. Good thing I don’t play Blackjack for a living. I am not much of a gambler anyway..

Keep on Hustling – Indeed..

Robert C – The Wholesale Products Guy