Power Behind Reading People Out?

I've copied many of my strategies, believe it or not, from the eastern european mob, a friend with a somewhat troubled childhood was nice enough to share enough with me to spark my interest. At its core, mafia is business at its worst - profit over all and no restrictions whatsoever, unless you set them for yourself. Business contracts are pretty much worthless if the Realpolitik-driven decision making process decides an alliance with you to be worthless one day after it is made, so you'll always have to check whether the guy you're dealing with is trustworthy, and if he isn't, how you can structure a deal in which he can't screw you.

For example, instead of exchanging goods face to face, where the opponent might shoot you in the back right after he got what he came for, you meet in separate rooms with revolving glass doors - both parties put their goods in, both remove a lock and turn the doors - no risk involved.

As far-off and paranoid as this may sound, if a lot of money is involved, I never go just by the impression the guy left on me.

A few rules I use to follow:

#1 It's called "con" for a reason. Con(fidence) men have their names because they act with it and instill it in you - you can't judge a box by its looks if the salesman designs boxes for a living. Business criminals have perfected ways to screw with your gut feeling, so don't let your emotions blur your critical skills.

#2 Do the damn research. Check the resume of the guy, his deals, talk to his former partners. Hire a private investigator if you have to - you can always let your guard down later, but to start with none might not be the best move.

#3 Always have the unfair advantage. Business is business and you should always, always fight to have the better cards, as the other party will try to do the same. If you got them, act as kindly and benevolent as you would otherwise - you might even decide not to use them.

#4 Test people. Money does the weirdest things with people. This might seem opposite to rule three, but sometimes I take the worse side in a negotiation only to see if the other party tries to fu..dge me. The seldomly do, and it's always great to have men with integrity around you, but if they do, it's always somebody I would not have expected. A friend letting you pay 300% market value on something he knows you must have - that hurts. But I'd rather know it sooner than later.

#5 Be the good guy. Business is tough and it gets lonely at times. If you like someone, follow the rules, but don't act like another empty suit shooting hardballs at them. After you done all the research, made sure the deal is secure, there's no need to act overly critical or negative. Be friendly and make sure the other party always feels respected - anger and profanity is almost always a sign of fear and/or weakness.

That's my system, hope it's of some help.

Cheers,
Henry

Thanks for sharing, both William Veasley and HenryDicks. I found HenryDicks' post of amazing value.

Hey Henry,

Thanks a bunch for sharing on both of my threads! Your thoughts are always welcomed. ( :

There were many good points made in this thread by you. Specifically I enjoyed point 2, 4, & 5. Those really hit me the hardest, because you do have to test people for sure. Its important to see what there all about and if they are hiding under a mask or its the real personality.

Here are also a few rules I follow:

#1- Following your instincts.

You have instincts for a reason and believe it or not, more times than none they are on point. Thats why you have them, because they usually help you shy aways from the wrong decisions. Many times people can talk you out of following your own instincts, but you must not let that happen. Then from there on out they will be pushing you towards the wrong direction. This is why you must always follow your instincts.

#2- Keep Your Guard Up

You never want to let your guard down when welcoming a new member into your team. That could potientally be the destruction of your team if you sleep up. If you are the captain of the team you have to always have your gaurd up, and by no mean let yourself be backstabbed.

#3- Look Deep Within

It's important to look deep within your teamates. Look past the outter look and deep to the heart. You can get a good feel on a person when you see where their hearts at. This will help you realise if they only care about themselves or they are genuine. Those are the only type of people you want one your team.

You always want to look closely, because when you start building a team there will the more people all about hemselves that want to join, than the other way around. Choose your teamates wisely! ( :

God bless,
William Veasley