The Personal MBA

Master the Art of Business

A world-class business education in a single volume. Learn the universal principles behind every successful business, then use these ideas to make more money, get more done, and have more fun in your life and work.

Buy the book:


What Is 'Importance'?

Everyone wants to feel Important. The more important you make people feel, the more they'll value their relationship with you.

The more interest you show in other people, the more important they'll feel.

Making someone feel important is not difficult, yet is rare in today's world: pay attention, listen intently, express interest and ask questions.

Josh Kaufman Explains 'Importance'

Everyone has a fundamental need to feel Important.

It doesn't matter if you're dealing with a customer, an employee, an acquaintance, or a friend. The more important you make them feel, the more they'll value their relationship with you. Make someone feel small or unimportant, and you'll earn their enmity in record time.

How do you feel when you're talking with someone, and they check their BlackBerry, or interrupt your conversation to take a phone call? The more interest you take in other people, the more important they will feel.

The reason you don't feel valued when a sleazy car salesman asks "how you're doing" is that the question doesn't indicate genuine interest-it's clearly a means to close the deal. People want to feel important even if they don't buy from you, which is where canned sales scripts and training fail.

Fortunately, making others feel important is not particularly difficult if you make an effort to be present and curious. It mostly has to do with undivided focus: paying attention, listening intently, expressing interest, and asking questions.

Being the complete focus of someone's attention is so rare in today's world that it makes a memorable impact almost immediately.

Cultivating a genuine interest in other people goes a very long way. The more important you make people feel when they're around you, the more they'll like you and want to be around you.

Questions About 'Importance'


"The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated."

William James, doctor and pioneering psychologist


From Chapter 8:

Working With Others


https://personalmba.com/importance/



The Personal MBA

Master the Art of Business

A world-class business education in a single volume. Learn the universal principles behind every successful business, then use these ideas to make more money, get more done, and have more fun in your life and work.

Buy the book:


About Josh Kaufman

Josh Kaufman is an acclaimed business, learning, and skill acquisition expert. He is the author of two international bestsellers: The Personal MBA and The First 20 Hours. Josh's research and writing have helped millions of people worldwide learn the fundamentals of modern business.

More about Josh Kaufman →