The MLM Three Foot Rule

Marcia Yudkin:

Dr. Ellen Kenner, host of a syndicated talk show called The Rational Basis of Happiness, recently told me she follows “the three-foot rule,” which she learned from me in a workshop years ago in Providence, Rhode Island.

Unable to remember any such rule, I asked her to teach it back to me.

“When I’m out in public, anyone within three feet is someone I can start a conversation with, either about my radio show or some other interesting topic,” Kenner explained. “Using this rule as a reminder, I’ve become bolder and more outgoing and have met many interesting people.

“Previously, when asked what I did, I might say that I’m a psychologist but kept silent about being a talk show host. Today I understand that question, or just being within three feet of people at a dance, a restaurant or a conference, as a great opportunity to grow the show.”

Now that Kenner is seeking a publisher for a book on romantic love, she mentions it on her show. “After all, my listeners are within three feet of their radios,” she laughs.