It’s a well-known fact that first impressions go a long way. In fact, it takes most people a quick 7 seconds to form a judgment on someone they’ve just met. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you appear more confident and capable - and connect to your prospective client.
SOURCES: http://blog.hubspot.com/agency/body-language-tips#sm.0001sa6dlwmv8epttbh18dzxjm011 https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223993
- Relax. Take a few moments to yourself before meeting your new client, even if that means sneaking off to the restroom. Entrepreneur.com recommends the following exercise to de-stress. Begin by closing your eyes. First notice which parts of your body are tense. For 30 seconds, breathe in slowly to the count of five, and then exhale slowly to the count of five. Repeat this three times. Now, yawn a few times and notice if it relaxes you. Now stretch your body, beginning with the muscles of your face, scrunching them up, then stretching them out. Then gently move your head from side to side and front to back. Scrunch your shoulders up and then push them down. Next tighten your arms and legs for a count of 10; then relax and shake it out. Take a few more deep breaths. Once more assign a number to your state of relaxation.
- Posture. The connection between mind and body is fascinating. By altering your posture, your mind automatically adopts a new tone. Before walking into a meeting, open up your arms and chest and straighten your back. Your mind will follow suit and you’ll notice a more relaxed, confident feeling.
- Be Positive. Take mental note of your emotional state. Are you frustrated? Rushed? Stressed? If so, give yourself some time to write down or say out loud three positive thoughts to put yourself in a positive frame of mind.
- Smile and Make Eye Contact. These two tips, while on the obvious side, will make your client feel comfortable, well-liked, and important to you.
- Interview. People love talking about themselves. Treat your meeting like an interview and learn as much about your new client as you can. Most of us give verbal cues about what we want to talk about, so pay attention to clues within your client’s answers on what to ask them about next.
- Stay Calm. A calm attitude and slow, deliberate movements will earn trust. You’ll appear as an authority and a leader in your field.
SOURCES: http://blog.hubspot.com/agency/body-language-tips#sm.0001sa6dlwmv8epttbh18dzxjm011 https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223993