Simon Fung is the Field Marketing Manager, based in British Columbia. He has years of experience building teams and coaching sales experts in multiple categories.
Whether we interact with people we know or with strangers we’ve just met, positive body language can go a long way in your personal and professional development.
Here are a few recommendations I’ve found useful from my past experiences in the field.
1. Dress professionally:
Dress professionally to represent your company and brand that is appropriate for the industry or setting you'll be in. Your appearance should instill confidence and project a polished, trustworthy image. On a personal front, you’d also want to be dressed in the way you would want to be perceived and remembered. Focus on maintaining good posture, making eye contact, and greeting customers or friends with a warm and confident demeanor.
2. Use open gestures:
Avoid crossing your arms or legs, as it can create a barrier between you and others, signaling defensiveness or disinterest. Instead, use open gestures by keeping your arms relaxed at your sides or gently gesturing while speaking. Open gestures indicate receptiveness and a willingness to engage. Remember to be the first to offer a nice firm handshake or fist bump for meetings and save the friendly hugs for friends.
3. Mirror body language:
Subtly mirroring the body language of the person you're interacting with can help establish rapport and create a sense of connection. Pay attention to their posture, hand movements, and facial expressions, and mirror them in a natural and non-exaggerated way. Mirroring shows that you are attuned to the other person and can help build trust and positive rapport.
4. Speak with a confident and friendly tone:
Whenever speaking with anyone new for the first time, your tone of voice is important in creating a positive first impression. Speak clearly and confidently, projecting enthusiasm and friendliness. A warm and engaging tone will help establish a connection with the person and make them more receptive to your pitch, ideas and stories. Use their name a few times as you get to know them.
5. Listen actively:
Remember we have two ears and one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we speak. It’s not just about delivering a pitch or a constant lecture to your friends; it's also about listening to the needs and concerns of the other individual. Pay attention to their responses, ask relevant questions, and show genuine interest in understanding their unique challenges or goals. You’ll be able to respond much better when you do.
6. Building relationships and rapport:
Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations, actively listen to their needs, and show genuine interest in their ideas, story or business. When you have common interests, you will be able to develop that connection that goes beyond the transactional nature of the sale. Customers become friends, and friends often are your customers. Continue to nurture the relationship through regular communication and provide ongoing support even after the sale is made.
We all have the opportunity to meet new people and friends at any moment and build strong, long-lasting relationships. Use your interpersonal skills, industry knowledge, and solution-oriented mindset and incorporate these positive body language tips to create a positive impact in your relationships!
Comments