Capitalize on Social Opportunities

The average day for the average business person is filled with opportunity! Think of the number of people you interact with everyday.  Of course, there are telephone calls and the people you see at the office. But there are also meetings with customers, training sessions, and luncheons.  Add these events up and you interact with tens, maybe even a hundred people a day.  Throw in a speech along the way, or perhaps a reporter inquiring about your business, and that number quickly becomes hundreds if not thousands.

The point is that each of these interactions is an opportunity.  We are all familiar with the buzzword; let’s say it in unison: “networking.”  For some, networking comes naturally, but for others, networking can be a stressful event.  But think of it this way:  You work hard, you spend half your life in the office, poring over projects, and at the end of the day you are proud of what you have accomplished.  So why would you blow it by not taking the time to make a great first impression?  Each new person you meet represents an opportunity to capitalize on your hard work.

Extroverts would like to have the rest of the world believe that they are comfortable in any social setting, but the simple truth is that everyone, introvert or extrovert, sometimes finds themselves in an anxiety- inducing situation.   You can bet that in a room full of people, many, if not all, are hesitant to initiate conversations.

Take the initiative.  In a crowded room you should see a bubble over each person’s head that reads “OPPORTUNITY!” in big bold letters.  Approach someone and introduce yourself with confidence, class, and charisma.  Easier said than done, right?  Here is how to look and sound the part:

• Smile warmly, and acknowledge the other person’s name right away.  Try something like, “Tom, it’s very nice to meet you.”
• Face your listener, maintain good eye contact, and be sure to use a firm handshake for both men and women.
• Be prepared with a short and meaningful statement about what you do or why you’re attending the event.  You do not want to be at a loss of words so early in the conversation.
• In face-to-face communication, your facial expressions and body movements also carry effective meaning. Your smile, the tilt of your head, the movements of your hands and shoulders, and your eye contact all serve to engage your listener and to help them hear the message.

Whatever the nature of your business, your voice is one of your most valuable assets. The bright first impression you make with effectual body language and a strong, clear voice could open up doors to your personal and professional future.  People learn who you are, what you are all about, and even how much you care about them by what you say and how you say it.  When you master the skills of aligning what you want people to understand with the manner in which you speak, you vastly improve your chance of leaving a memorable impression.  And you just might find yourself becoming an optimist.