The It Factor: Be the One People Like, Listen to, and Remember [Paperback]

Mark Wiskup (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2007

Some people have the ability to start a conversation and immediately draw people in, while others -- perhaps even those with more valuable things to say -- get pushed to the side, seemingly ignored. Unfortunately for those who don't have "It," this undeniable "It" factor is more than just an attractive quality, it's also a hallmark of success.A practical and entertaining guide that will help anyone supercharge their communication skills and consistently make a positive impression on others, The "It" Factor gives readers the tools -- and confidence -- they need to take charge of any conversation, meeting, or networking encounter. Readers will learn how to: * communicate ideas so skillfully that people sit up and take notice * become instantly memorable * hold on to people's attention longer * make stronger connectionsFilled with practical techniques and powerful insights, The "It" Factor will help anyone take center stage and achieve the results they've always desired.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Some people have the ability to start a conversation and immediately draw people in, while others -- perhaps even those with more valuable things to say -- get pushed to the side, seemingly ignored. Unfortunately for those who don’t have "It," this undeniable "It" factor is more than just an attractive quality, it’s also a hallmark of success.

A practical and entertaining guide that will help anyone supercharge their communication skills and consistently make a positive impression on others, The "It" Factor gives readers the tools -- and confidence -- they need to take charge of any conversation, meeting, or networking encounter. Readers will learn how to:

* communicate ideas so skillfully that people sit up and take notice

* become instantly memorable

* hold on to people’s attention longer

* make stronger connections

Filled with practical techniques and powerful insights, The "It" Factor will help anyone take center stage and achieve the results they've always desired.

From the Back Cover

In this book, Mark Wiskup comes as close as anyone I've seen to the Holy Grail that all learners want: give me something that will help me, give it to me in plain English so that it's crystal clear, and wrap it in a story so that I'll remember it. The It Factor is an enjoyable read that delivers critical lessons for anyone who wants to be a better communicator.
--Ed Ruggero Author "Combat Jump"

"People naturally prefer to do business with people they like. In a world where technology makes us available 24/7 but at the same time leaves us feeling strangely isolated, forming meaningful personal relationships is more important than ever. But connecting with people can be tough, especially for the time-constrained. Mark teaches you how to turn initial encounters into memorable meetings. If your profession requires you to connect with all kinds of people and personalities, you'll want this book permanently stashed in your briefcase.
--Michelle Bauer Partner Sextant Marketing Group

"Working in an industry peppered with jargon and acronyms, THE IT FACTOR has helped me stand apart from my competitors and connect with my clients through improved communication skills."
--Douglas C. Davidson Market Executive Bank of America Commercial Banking

The "IT Factor" is a no-nonsense, straightforward book useful to professionals at all stages of their career. To have access to Mark Wiskup's insight and wisdom in such an easy to read format is phenomenal.
--William F. Sharpe III Chief Operating Officer GOLDSMITH AGIO HELMS

The best writers, speakers, artists, teachers, salespeople...anyone who is an exceptional communicator exploits THE IT FACTOR. Mark Wiskup has the uncanny ability to show you how to liberate your IT FACTOR. Seize what he says, and you will be the one people like, listen to and remember.
---Ed Dalheim Founder MarCom Creative Awards

"Mark Wiskup doesn't claim to have written a book about sales--but he has! This book won't be found on the sales shelf at your local bookstore--but it should be! The "IT" Factor is all about getting others to pay attention to you, to like you, and to find your ideas and requests acceptable, or better yet, desirable. That's the fundamental kernel of sales... no matter what it is you sell. I'm telling every salesperson I know to buy this book."
---Steve Marx Author of Close Like the Pros--Replace Worn-Out Tactics with the Powerful Strategy of Interactive Selling

"Smart, practical advice delivered with personality and humor. Reading The "It" Factor is like having your own personal advisor guiding you every step of the way through the potential pitfalls in presenting yourself and your ideas in the most persuasive manner."
---Paul BackerSenior Lecturer- School of Theatre University of Southern California

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (June 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814474373
• ISBN-13: 978-0814474372
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

CEOs and managers across North American, Europe and Asia confide in Mark Wiskup every week about their daunting leadership dilemmas involving employees, vendors and investors. Mark acts as a coach, mentor and advisor - all at the same time - teaching bosses, supervisors and managers how to have more success and more fun, every day by communicating their unique ideas with intensity, joy, and impact.

His clients say he's a task master, intensely helping them to understand how communication disconnects in their organizations always wind up hurting the P&L...and their professional equity. He challenges all audiences; from intimate workshop groups to large conferences of CEOs, with practical and lively sessions that result in energetic group discussions, instant take home value and lots of humor.

Mark is a story teller by nature, starting his post-college years as an award winning television journalist and anchor in Minnesota, Colorado, Florida and Arkansas. He also founded and ran a visual media production company for 15-years with operations in Florida and Colorado.

He has degrees from both UCLA and Northwestern University. Finally, he is proud to say he once served as a driver for Ian Anderson and the band Jethro Tull during several Florida tour dates.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An easy and inspiring read July 15, 2007

By Bill F.

Format:Paperback

I liked this book because it helps in understanding how important "charisma" is to ALL types of people, not just sales and marketing types. Many of the chapters had quite an impact on me. I liked the author's informal writing style, which makes it a very quck read. Sometimes the book makes it appear too easy to "change your stripes" and become an outgoing, charismatic person -- because after all, those kinds of life changes are very, very difficult. But for anyone seeking to move along that path, this is as good a guidebook as you can find. Well recommended for anyone seeking self-improvement, particularly in the area of communication style.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Paint pictures with your words and you will have the It Factor! October 25, 2007

By Jeff Lippincott VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I enjoyed reading this book. I thought overall it was very good. Unfortunately it did not light a spark for me. So I can't give it 5 stars. About six months ago I read "I Read It But I Didn't Get It" (ISBN: 157110089X) which discussed that many people "fake read." They read the words but they don't grasp their meaning. That book went on to explain how to avoid fake reading and comprehend what it is you are reading. I mention this because the instant book discusses how to keep people from "fake listening." This is when people listen to what you say, but they don't grasp the significance (they don't make a connection with you). Having the It Factor allows you to keep people from not "fake listening" to you.

The author is a communicatons skills coach. This book is clearly a marketing tool for his private practice. But it is a good one. I must admit that there were times during my reading of this book that I was chuckling. Some of the stories provided had some humor included. That was a nice touch! This book is about how to build strong connections with people. It explains that there is a connections process that good communicators use to communicate. And like any process this connections process is comprised of various steps. Small talk is step one when you don't already know the person. If you know the person, then step one is to be compelling (don't hint or expect the listener to infer).

Some of what is covered in this book is aimed at helping managers better manage and lead. Other material covered in this book is aimed at helping public speakers make an impact when they deliver their talk, seminar or workshop. And other parts of this book are aimed at helping someone who has to self promote themselves be successful in networking scenarios.... The author actually covers a lot of ground in this book. The overall message I got from reading it is that talking and communicating are not necessarily the same thing. Lots of talk is cheap and usually listeners are guilty of fake listening when they hear it. A speaker wth the It Factor puts a lot of effort into her talking and as a result will usually make a connection with her listeners. She paints pictures with her words so connections are easy to create. Such talk is not cheap. 4 stars! Read more ›

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Your Mom and Dad Love You July 1, 2008

By Arment Dietrich

Format:Paperback

Not only is Wiskup entertaining with his "24" analogies and his constant reminder that your parents have to love you, his tools work! We bought "The IT Factor" for all of our employees, had them read it, and then brought Wiskup in to help them put the tools into action. They instantly became better story tellers and have the confidence to speak up in meetings. As well, I have taken two of Wiskup's workshops after reading "The IT Factor. Even as the CEO of a mid-sized business, the tools he provides in the book combined with his in-person development have helped me translate stories from revenues and net profits to painting the picture and becoming more human.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable text for social success May 16, 2008

By Z

Format:Paperback

I have read multiple books on the topic of charisma, social literacy and "small talk". I always felt that the ability to feel comfortable in a variety of social situations is crucial to success in personal and professional life. This is the first book, that not only identifies the key factors, but also does something that no other book that I have seen attempt to do: it gives you a stepwise approach to improve your ability to attain the social literacy that is so important. I must say that this is the best and the most useful book that I have read on the topic. I was able to read it in two days (oh yes, it is also a very easy read), and start applying the principles in my daily experiences (successfully). I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a book that will be entertaining, easy to read and most importantly target the applicable principles that you can use tomorrow.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars betsy z.m. October 25, 2007

By betsy z. m.

Format:Paperback

I am not in the professional world, instead my roles are mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend. Move over Dr. Phil or at the very least pick up a copy of The It Factor. This book is easy to read and one that I will refer back to. I found out that "it's" all about effective communication and with two teenagers, two wonderful senior parents, and a spouse of 21 years it helps to choose my words wisely. Thank you Mr. Wiskup.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The payoff, especially in this tigth labor market is going to be substantial August 15, 2007

By Steven Simonyi Gindele

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Finally after 40 years in active and successful business I found out what I was lacking... the inability to connect with staff, especially lower level staff. I found the "how to" in "The It Factor", applied it and the results were positive. The general staff meeting tone and attiudes afterwards improved considereable, the staff is more talkative and open and the reserve that I sensed in the past is gone with many of them. It takes effort to move the subject matter from head knowledge into the heart than into action but it is well worth it. The payoff, especially in this tigth labor market is going to be substantial.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and reassuring August 16, 2008

By Inge Handing

Format:Paperback

The It Factor was just a book for me to read. I am a hairdresser and salon owner, in fact I have the pleasure of being Mark Wiskup's hairdresser and happen to be very fond of him and his entire family. Although I always felt very confident in my craft, I had the tendency to struggle with thinking I may not be smart enough. Having said that, I do believe I've made it a long way because I may possibly have "it".
This book makes you think and look at things in a different way and as a person that does believe in communication, it just shows you a better way to accomplish that. It is easy to read, entertaining and I would encourage anyone that wants to have better relationships with people on a personal or business level to read it. Everything is about relationships, after all.