Helping today’s boys become tomorrow’s good men.

Since leaving the military, I’ve found that introducing myself has a similar effect as the salute, particularly in a world where so much interaction occurs online. Not long ago, I was at a party and recognized someone who’d written some unkind things about me on social media. We had never met, but we recognized one another. A fun evening turned awkward. The reactionary in me wanted to toss my drink in his face. Another part of me wanted to leave. Instead, I crossed the room and introduced myself. We shook hands, exchanged awkward pleasantries, and that was that. The evening went on, the tension gone. So, how do you introduce yourself to someone? You look them in the eye. You shake their hand. You give your name and—this part’s important—when they give you their name, you don’t forget it. Repeat it to yourself a few times. Ask them about themselves. Look for areas of mutual interest. Allow them to speak about themselves, and listen. Engage in a give-and-take. This person doesn’t need to become your new friend or offer you a job, but you’ll never find a new friend or next job—or the love of your life—if you don’t put yourself forward. If it’s going well, tell that person you’d love to stay in touch. It validates that you were interested in what they had to say and hope your paths cross again. If they give you a business card, take a minute and read it when they place it in your hand. Treat it like something of value. If they don’t have a business card, swap contact info. A day or two later, drop them a line, tell them it was lovely to have met. The day after I bumped into my online antagonist, I did just that. I dropped him a note and said I was happy to meet. I never heard another negative word from him. Courtesy: Elliot Ackerman