Okay, maybe not the hips, but there is no doubt that knowing the secrets of body language and it’s importance in business relations is a key factor of success .You’ve heard the saying, “A man earns respect from a handshake…” but did you know that a strong grip is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unconscious communication? Here are a few of the most interesting, although rarely shared, body language tips I’ve discovered.
Eye contact
While we all know that maintaining eye contact during conversation is crucial, very few properly execute this. While holding a glance you need to make sure that you aren’t pushing the point of staring. There is an almost predatory glare one gets when being in control of a conversation. We cannot help this as it is done by our subconscious, but we can control it and use it to our advantage.While you are engaging your clients and customers, make it a point to hold their gaze for no more than five seconds at a time. Doing so will enable you to control the conversation without making you come from an aggressive stance. Frequent eye contact creates a sense of importance to your client allowing them to take more interest in what it is you are saying.
Creating your Power Bubble
This is a term I came up with when I was trying to explain the importance of ones personal space. Everyone has their preference on how big or small their power bubble is but did you know that the bigger your bubble the better your business?Let me explain. Say Bob is about to enter his first proposal meeting. Bob knows that in order for him to have an impact on a group of investors that have probably heard and seen it all, he’s going to have to wow them. So the first thing Bob does is build up his bubble. He doesn’t simply go to the front of the room, designate a small area for him to place his notes, and any other items he may have, he doesn’t give an over rehearsed monotone speech, he doesn’t try and “keep professional,” No!
Bob makes his space just that… HIS. He knows this may be the one chance he’s got. So he owns that end of the room. When he speaks he speaks with excitement, he uses his hands and arms. He gestures to others and pumps them up. In turn… Incorporating them in his bubble. Bob is smart. And at the end of that meeting Bob had his investors.You see when we take ownership of our space, when we are excited and proud of what it is that we have to say, it’s magnetic.That feeling you get of someone behind you, that’s their bubble. The bigger your bubble the stronger your attraction, the better your business.
Dress the Part but Stay True to You
We all start the day out wanting to look our best, ok maybe not all of us. Some of you have the luxury of working from home, sitting back in your flannels or yoga pants and tapping away on the iPad. But let’s face it when it comes down to winning over new clients we take the dress to impress approach. We suit up, heel up, and makeup ourselves to fit the “ideal” mold of professional. But what good is looking good of its all just for show? Why do we feel like in order to have our ideas, our products, our business respected why do we have to look the same? We don’t. You see, in the adult world that we live in we’ve all been taught that there are rules and guidelines to stick to. Yet it is our individuality that makes us unique. That makes our businesses different from the other. So why not reflect that in the way you dress. Now, I’m not saying to slap on the baseball hat, the flip flops, or the feather hair extension to your next meeting, but instead add a bit of you to that three piece suit. Wear fabric that feels good. Invest in one perfect power outfit that says “This is me, and yes I do mean business” but don’t be something you’re not.If you own a skateboard shop, don’t wear Armani. Instead try layering one of your favorite shirts under a button down and a fresh crisp pair of jeans. If you run a bakery don’t look like a banker. You should be getting the point by now, wear what makes you feel good, what shows who you are while still maintaining your professional image.
Well, that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed this entry. Remember that a successful business is created by a unique mind, a driven spirit, and a determined body. Put in the work it takes and you’ll get the rewards you earn.