Business Tips

Business Building and Work Tips That Work With Your Watkins Business or Any Business

A Solid First Impression For Your Home Business

Whether it's a job interview or a meeting with new clients, the first impression can make or break the deal--in the first seven seconds. So don't overlook the simple rules of a good first impression:

Rule 1: Look sharp. Dress like you are already successful. Upgrade that mediocre suit, update the tie or scarf, wear a neat haircut and tasteful jewelry. About 5 years ago, a salary study by a large cosmetic corporation sent out 'before' and 'after' photos and identical resumes to more than 1,000 companies. The companies indicated a greater likelihood to hire at an 8 to 20 percent higher projected salary based on an upgraded appearance.

Rule 2: Convey friendliness. Prospective clients or business associates will gravitate toward people who are likable.

Rule 3: Be confident. That doesn't mean being brusque or overly enthusiastic. It means appropriate self-assurance.

Rule 4: Avoid talk of religion, politics, or personal family matters. You never know if you'll be opening up a sensitive topic with your audience.

Rule 5: Stay at arm's length. Any closer and most people will begin to feel uncomfortable. Respect their personal space.

Rule 6: Never, ever be late.These rules are especially important for small and home business owners. Looking professional can make you look successful long before you are.

Turn others into ‘willing listeners’

When you first approach another person with a request for his or her time it is essential that you know what it is that you want to accomplish before you begin. Once that is clear in your mind, then you should do some homework about that person. Find out about his or her work, if you need to. Pull all the facts together in your mind. When you finally meet with the person face to face, it is important that you start the meeting talking about that person’s work. If you study the person’s work, you will likely find many positive qualities about what she is doing with her life energy. Bring that information out into your conversa-tion. All people like it when their work is appreciated— but here’s the catch—what you say must be sincere, or the person you are trying to make a connection with will feel and know that you are a fraud.

Once you have spent some time doing this, then you will accomplish that which you have wanted to accomplish, you will have opened the door to that person’s mind. He or she will be willing to listen to you—and will think you have a great personality. When you have established all of this, lay out quickly what it is that you have come for. Be self-assured and sincere. Even if the person you have come to cannot do the thing for you that you are requesting, chances are he or she will make every effort to help you and get you to the person who can actually assist you in accomplishing your ends.

—adapted from The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill

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