Effective Business Networking Tips on Presence Power
(excerpt from Cracking the Networking CODE
- Cracking the Networking CODE
by Dean Lindsay)
How you hold your physical body communicates a tremendous amount of information about you. Be aware of presence power. Studies suggest that a person will unconsciously interpret approximately 55% of the meaning of your message from physiological cues from your attire, body position, stance, and facial expressions.
Body language, demeanor, and dress are important elements in making a lasting impression . First impressions are often lasting impressions. So take pride in your appearance. Be fun and sociable. You are the number -one element in your success strategy.
How you look and present yourself matters. You want to look smart and with -it. You should not look untidy. No messed up hair, wrinkled shirts, or loose ties. In fact, the ideal wardrobe for a networking event is slightly better dressed than the other attendees.
Effective Business Networking Tips #1 Check yourself before you go out. Do a 360 in front of a full -length mirror. Would you want to talk to you? Would you want to be seen talking to you?
Effective Business Networking Tips #2 Ask someone’s opinion . Take the advice of others about your appearance. I ask my wife. She has saved me from more than a few bad shirt/tie combos.
However, do not rely on your “ together” look to cover up for sad puppy behavior or poor conversational ability. Stand, speak, and act as if you were self-confident, attractive, vital. If you have flair, use it. Make sure you will be remembered in a positive way. Be enthusiastic. An enthusiastic attitude distinguishes the really cracking networkers from the so-so networkers.
Effective Business Networking Tips #3 – Speak with a positive countenance, exhibit confidence, and display a natural enthusiasm about your life and your work. Be a walking-talking representation of life, in all its excitement and possibility. How you say something means as much or more than what you say. You are your best public relations representative. You are the person who knows best what you do and what you have to offer others.
Effective Business Networking Tips #4 – Sit or stand up straight. Gesture with power and confidence. Be fully engaged. Nod in agreement. Smile. Do not fold your arms or let your eyes wander off into the distance; look like you are having a good time. People trust people who look them in the eye. Do not shift focus. The more you change your focus, the more new information your brain is taking in. If you change focus frequently, you can overload your brain to the point where you are “at sea” and unable to focus on the issue at hand.
Effective Business Networking Tips # 5 Be careful about shifting your weight while chatting with someone. It communicates a lack of interest and confidence, and it can result in your contact feeling a lack of TRUST.
Also, do not keep your hands in your pockets the whole time and jingle-jangle-jingle your keys or change. You are not there to provide musical backup or percussion for the event.
Think about this:
Each positive first impression has the potential to turn into a priceless business relationship. People want to do business with professionals who are excited about life and who look like they have their act together.
Be Progress.
(excerpt from Cracking the Networking CODE by Dean Lindsay)