It doesn't seem to matter how many times we hear;

"You have two ears and one mouth for a reason."

It's when we put that advice, which we've all heard, into practice, that it begins to make sense. I've tried to coach many people and many of my friends that if you want to influence people, you need to make sure they like you.

What's the best way to make people like you? Listen to them, then, instead of blurting out your thoughts, ask them a question which causes them to continue on with their feelings. Nothing makes a person feel like they've really connected with another human like having someone listen to their story. Don't make the conversation about you! You don't matter!

Great advice, @bitdollar!