"C" is for charm and make no mistake; charm (if combined with competence) will take you a long way in this business. It is impossible to understate the incredible magnetism brought on by the pleasant karma of charm.

The root of charm is a polite and positive disposition combined with appropriate use of the other person's name. People are attracted to those who are polite, use their name and take genuine interest in them. Aren't you? What more do we really look for in another person?

Charm is easy for some elusive for many because charm can not be faked. For most of us, phony charm is like nails on a chalkboard. We see it, we hear it, we feel it, and we loathe it.

This is the essence of charm. The rest comes with time, practice and the will to be charming. Plus, charm is the finest way to improve your conversion rate with customers (and your approval rate with your co-workers.) A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shining star in whose light others may follow in years to come.