One thing I love to do when I first meet someone is see if I can identify who they are by quick observations. You can tell a lot of information about someone by their appearance, how fast or slow they move, how fast or slow they talk, the words that are spoken, their facial expressions, their demeanor, responses and general behavior. Usually in about a minute or two, I can make some pretty accurate observations.

The other day I was out of town on business, and I had some time to kill so I went into Best Buy to look at pocket cameras. I had no intention of talking to anyone because I knew what I wanted, but I caught an employee’s eye on my fast approach to the cameras.

He was energetic and loudly boasted, “Can I help you? I see you are looking at cameras. I know a lot about cameras. Maybe I can help you? I don’t work on commission so if you don’t buy anything — that’s okay with me.”

I could clearly see in his eye, he found me attractive so that is why he approached me. But geeze, he was good. He said the right things to get through my thick skull so I would listen. I’m one tough customer– and he got through to me with the ‘right words’ which was impressive! He was good on his feet. So I decided what the heck, he’s not on commission — so what does it hurt to give him a listen. I told him which camera I was looking at– and he went into a great spiel.

This young man had a glisten in his eyes. He was full of life, and vigor. He was short in stature, yet had a strength about him. He was clean cut, and precise –and he knew his information.

I took one look at him and said under my breathe, “You’ve got it. You’ve got the natural sales talent so why are you working here for an hourly rate?? You are quick witted, smart and intelligent. You can sell anything! You have a natural gift to read people too, I suspect (he nodded yes). If you haven’t tried sales, GO — GO FIND A JOB IN SALES where you work on commission because you will sell and sell well!! You will be very successful at it.”

The young guy in his late twenties blushed at me, but opened right up. He told me that he had done sales and liked it a lot — but in the industry where he worked — he was forced to be dishonest and hated it. He said he had too big of a heart to take people. I believed him.

I threw out a handful of businesses that he should try — and told him to stand on his ethics — there are jobs and businesses where he can sell and sell honestly — and still make a great living. I could see his wheels spinning.

Then he told me he’d love it if I talk to his boss – and give my compliments of him being a good salesman. I was happy to do so.

We approached his boss, the manager, and we chatted. I told the manager this guy here was one exceptionally talented employee — and he should be proud to have him. The young guy beamed. He told his manager I have an ability to read people really well.

Looking at the manager, I got a sense he was a nice guy to have for a boss, he was a straight-shooter who worked to keep his employees happy. He wasn’t hard to work for, difficult or a pain-in-the-butt. This was the type of manager most people hope to work for — so I decided to see if I was right.

“I do read people pretty well,” I said. “So, let’s see how I do with you,” As I glanced at the manager I said, “You hit me as a good boss, someone who is a straight-shooter and pretty easy to work for.”

Laughter broke out between the two guys before me.

“Yep, he’s a straight shooter” said the employee with the natural sales ability.

“He’s the kind of boss you want, isn’t he? He is easy going, and works with you. He’s a generally nice guy. He’s not difficult or hard to work with, is he?”

“No,” said the natural saleman. “He is a good boss.”

I looked at the manager and he replied, “I am a straight-shooter. What can I say?”

The two were laughing yet their eyes were wide open as they listened to me. You could feel their amazement at my strategic guesswork.

I then went on about the employee with the natural sales ability (the salesman) and I said I suspect he could be a prankster. He hits me as the type to hide what you might be looking for — as a joke. Yes?

They both looked at me and said no, he isn’t like that. He’s pretty serious. He’s not a jokester.

So, I missed one. I’m not perfect by any means, but I can hone in quickly on personality types 🙂

I love doing this — and better yet — people love it too — when you talk about them. It’s a great conversation starter. But what is hard is when someone asks me to read someone who is not-so-nice, not full of happiness and joy — and I see a more sinister, untrustworthy side. I refuse to talk about that! That’s where I get short on words and don’t know what to say!!! It has created a few awkward moments for me. I struggle to find something nice and accurate to say! Thankfully that doesn’t happen often.