5 Tips for Stress-Free Networking

Successful entrepreneurs know that networking is not a numbers game. It’s not about how many business cards you pass out or collect. It’s not about how many products you can sell or whom you can instantly impress, exploit or schmooze to get what you want.

Proper networking is a gradual process of making genuine connections with people and cultivating those relationships for the long term. Here are five ways to take the stress out of networking, expand your sphere of influence and form solid, mutually beneficial relationships.

1. Give with no expectations in return.

The most effective networking takes place when you are willing to tithe your social capital. In other words, look for opportunities to be of service to others instead of thinking about how others can meet your needs. Train your ears to hear a problem so you can present a solution.

For example, if a colleague or client mentions that she needs a good painter, you might not know one, but someone in your network probably does. Do a little research and pass along the information. She will remember you and be forever grateful for your kind and unsolicited efforts.

2. Network with one person at a time.

Instead of spending small amounts of time with a lot of people, spend more time with a smaller number of carefully chosen people. You may find it comforting to know that the strength and longevity of your relationships depend more on the quality and far less upon the quantity of your connections.

Stop believing you have to meet everyone in the room. You don’t. At the next networking event, introduce yourself to someone who is sitting alone. More often than not, it’s the short, casual, one-on-one conversations that turn into potential business opportunities.

3. Approach people who are different from you.

It’s natural to gravitate toward people who are just like us, but you do yourself a disservice when you socialize with the same people all the time. Don't be guilty of "clustering." This is when people who know one another get into groups, either sitting or standing, while they pretty much ignore everyone else around them. Staying in familiar territory defeats the purpose of networking so expand your horizons and occasionally break away from those you know or see every day.

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4. Share a personal story or two.

Most of us have a habit of launching into business talk too soon, so take time to form a connection that has some substance. The best way to do this is by telling your story or by trying to get others to reveal their stories.

Stories are the most basic tool for connecting us to one another. People attend, remember, and are transformed by stories. Many of us grew up listening to stories passed from generation to generation by our parents or grandparents. Stories have a unique power to move people’s hearts, minds, feet, and wallets in the storyteller’s intended direction. Share a little bit about yourself -- how you became interested in your profession, who inspired you to start your own business, or where you grew up.

5. Listen more than you talk.

As the saying goes, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." Focus more on the other person and less on yourself and you will be perceived as being the most engaging person in the room.

Start out by asking the right questions and then listen to the other person’s response. Some of my favorite questions include: “What do you like to do in your spare time?” and “What motivated you to start your own business?” Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and these kinds of questions prompt people to open up. In time, they might even reveal their background, motivations, philosophy and challenges. Even though you might not agree with everything the person says, all you have to do is be a good listener.

Keep your networking efforts simple. Become interested in others, find out what matters to them, and then center your conversations on their interests and priorities. When you are genuine and sincere, your network (and eventually your net worth) will organically grow.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com

Image Credit: Compassionate Eye Foundation/John Wildgoose | Getty Images

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

5 Common Networking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many people assume that once workers become executives, networking is no longer necessary. According to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources, this misconception often extends to higher-ups themselves who undervalue networking as they advance in their careers.

The survey also revealed that those who network face pitfalls, no matter how experienced they might be. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not asking for help

Often people worry about imposing on others and are unsure of themselves. As a result, they avoid seeking help from others. This does more harm than good, even if they think they're saving their pride.

"We all need guidance from time to time, and people are usually happy to offer support when they can," said Tim Hird, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources.

2. Failing to keep in touch or reaching out only when they need something

Business relationships may differ from personal relationships, but the rules still apply: If your businesses associates only hear from you when you need something from them, you'll soon find your requests for help going unanswered.

According to the survey, sending a friendly email or forwarding an interesting blog post keeps connections strong. That way, it won't be awkward or one-sided the next time you ask for help.

3. Taking a narrow view of your potenital network

Many professionals, executives and entry-level workers alike limit the scope of their networking to people in the same field and those who are at the same stage in their career.

Connect with professionals at all levels and across many fields rather than sticking to the comfort of industry peers or former colleagues. It's useful to have access to perspectives different from your own, and you may discover unexpected opportunities for applying your skills and knowledge.

4. Not thanking contacts when they provide help

Failing to thank contacts can come across as rude, as though you are taking the person's assistance for granted. By not acknowledging and thanking your contacts, you risk jeopardizing your relationships and reputation. A simple "thank you" might sound trivial, but it goes a long way in the business world.

5. Not helping others

A reciprocal business relationship is hard to come by. There's rarely a perfect match between what two professionals need and can provide for one another at a given time. However, most people can find someone, somewhere, to help.

When you develop a reputation for reaching out and giving, people are inclined to do the same for you. Not to mention you create new contacts when you offer yourself to others, which never hurts.

This survey was based on the responses of more than 2,200 CFOs to identify the most common networking mistakes among executives.

Source: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/




ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

You've Been Networking Wrong All Along -- Here's The Right Way To Do It

Nearly every entrepreneur in the world is familiar with The Oprah Effect which essentially describes the power of Oprah’s endorsement particularly when it comes to consumer goods and services. Imagine what a simple mention of your brand by Oprah would do for your business? But it’s not just Oprah. In today’s connected world essentially any influencer with a large committed following or tribe has the power to transform an entrepreneur into an idol overnight. Sure, we’ve all heard the saying “Your network is your net worth” but as an aspiring entrepreneur just starting out your business, how do you go from being a nobody to rubbing shoulders with the greats?

I turn to Selena Soo, a business and publicity strategist, for some expert advice on how to network the right way. Soo has helped her clients land multiple six-figure book deals, and get featured in big name articles and magazines such as O, The Oprah Magazine. Soo actually grew up in Hong Kong so she's very familiar with the ecosystem here. Her main focus is helping entrepreneurs develop strategic relationships that will take their business to the next level.

Be clear on who you want to connect with

The first thing you need to do is take a step back and think about about exactly who you want to network with and how they will directly enhance your business. Networking for the sake of networking is a waste of time. I can’t tell you the number of meaningless meetings that I took in my early years because I had the mentally that I just needed to be out there. All that got me was a stack of useless business cards and a whole lot of wasted time. Rather than do that, take a more intentional approach with who you target.

“I always encourage people to put together an influencer list of the people they want to connect with, but on their influencer list it's not only the most famous out of reach people that may take years to develop a relationship with. It's also people in your immediate circle, also people that are super connectors. Maybe they're not household name famous, but behind the scenes these are the people who are making it happen," says Soo

And while I’m an advocate of shooting for the stars myself, trying to go right in and connect with Tim Ferriss or Oprah Winfrey will take time, if it ever happens at all. Be realistic with who you connect with as well. There might be people within your closest circle of friends that can help you if you just formed a deeper relationship with them. Just remember to always keep in mind your end goal and use that filter to help you manage your time.

Give and you might receive 

The second step is to add value. We’ve talked about how entrepreneurship is about serving others first. But let’s face it, all the important people that you want to connect with already know enough people. They don’t need another friend to be very honest. So what can you possibly offer them that they don’t already have? One of the surefire ways to perk up the ears of an influencer you are trying to connect with is good old fashioned flattery. Human beings love it. Whether it is praising them on social media or writing an epic article about them that you pitch to a major publication, all influencers no matter how big or small appreciate the affirmation. If you don’t have a social media following, a high traffic blog or any connections at media outlets, Soo has a very simple, yet powerful way for you to add value and that’s by expressing appreciation.

Source-https://www.forbes.com

Image Credit- Shutterstock

ABOUT WNFP

Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

Stop Wasting Your Time at Networking Events. Consider These Alternatives

You know those dreaded networking events? We've all been there. Awkward introductions, forced interactions, people just sitting around and counting down the minutes until it's acceptable to leave. What's the most you ever got out of these events? A couple of business cards you didn't use? A few more LinkedIn connections than you had the day before?

These events were once the cornerstone of business socializing and relationship building. What's changed? Effectiveness of the method.

Traditional forms of networking often lack cohesion, agenda, and purpose. Further, these events rarely have calls to action, and without a facilitator to direct the course of what people should be doing, engagement plummets and little networking is actually achieved.

The current moment in the entrepreneurialism era has exposed traditional networking methods for what they are: stale, outdated, and flat-out not working. The world is catching on, and organizations left and right are cutting their networking events due to poor turnouts, lackluster enthusiasm from participants, and less than glamorous feedback.

But the value of your contact list and professional collaboration remains true. In fact, networking is not only still relevant, it's more important than ever. It's not fading away, but rather it's being reinvented to improve on its past failures, ultimately to enhance the experience and outcomes of those who are looking to connect.

 

The new wave.

So, what are we seeing now?

Networking is evolving. Smaller, more vertically integrated events with tighter groups of people are demonstrating the new wave of connecting with other professionals. For example, entrepreneurial boot camps and camping trips are now emerging as popular methods for millennial's to achieve their networking goals.

Take, for example, Survive and Thrive, a boot camp hosted at a resort for mission-driven entrepreneurs to collaborate with like-minded investors, partners, speakers, and mentors in an intimate environment. Survive and Thrive, along with many programs similar to it, is shifting the networking experience from conference rooms to trails and tents, making the experience far more personal, yielding better results for those who attend.

"The new face of networking looks a lot more like collaboration, and that's what we are creating," said Marva Allen, Survive and Thrive's CEO and co-founder. "Non-traditional, interactive environments are disrupting conventional networking methods, providing entrepreneurs with access to not only vital information, but the resources, partnerships, and exposure to investors they need to achieve their business goals. The results and impact that we drive feed off the creativity that play affords."

These programs often boast featured guests, such as prominent business executives and celebrities, and offer sessions for entrepreneurs in attendance to actually pitch their ideas to them. Sounds different than your typical office get-together, doesn't it?

As the young workforce continues to obsess over unconventional business methods and professional culture, expect more innovative forums for gathering professionals together to keep emerging.

 

Networking on social media.

Beyond the physical brand of networking events that continue to live on, it's important to understand that nowadays, networking is synonymous with interaction.

The rise of social media has completely altered what it means to network in 2017, and the online world has torn down geographic borders in connecting people to their desired audiences. Whether it be customers, investors, clients, or partners, social-media interaction is shifting the landscape of professional networking in a big way.

Just look at what's happening: organizations are networking nonstop just by tweeting at, responding to, and engaging with their targeted audiences through direct messages, discussion boards, and fan pages, where their messages can be broadcasted far more effectively and efficiently through these mediums than ever possible at an in-person event.

"Social platforms are essentially becoming mass networking landing spots," said Alex Yong, journalist at Small Biz Trends and the Observer. "People failing to realize this risk are falling behind as their competitors use these internet-based environments to expand their networks and create powerful collaborations."

 

Your Next Move

Before you plan or attend your next networking event, ask yourself what you want to get out of it and how it can get you closer to achieving your goals.

Don't just limit yourself to local, in-person networking gatherings if you want to see the best options and most opportunities in the field you're playing in. Consider newer, more effective alternatives to networking that can take you and your business to unprecedented territories.

  

Source: https://www.inc.com

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business organization focused on providing our members and guests with an extraordinary networking experience, bringing business professionals together for the sole purpose of generating new relationships and developing new business opportunities. Not a member, learn how you can become a member and join this awesome group of professionals to connect and grow your business.

Stay Connected with WNFP!

Don't Be a Networking Frog

In generating referrals for your business, you are going to want to spend less time with frogs and more time with princes and princesses − and at the same time, make sure that YOU aren’t a “networking frog,” either! 

How do you become networking royalty and find other like-minded referral partners, avoiding the amphibians out there? Let me give you some tell-tale signs that you might be kissing a networking frog:

• This person is always asking you for referrals, introductions, and favors but rarely reciprocates.

• This person doesn’t seem to have the time to sit down and really learn about your business, goals, and ideal customers.

• When you schedule face-to-face meetings, this person often reschedules the night before or the day of your appointment.

• This person takes forever to return your phone calls and emails, if at all.

• This person rarely goes out of his way to help you, and seem inconvenienced when complying with your request for assistance making a connection.

• This person often makes you feel like you're just OK to be around, and may not be quite "big enough" for strong collaboration.

• This person talks excessively about herself and her business. She rarely asks you questions. If she does ask, she really doesn’t listen to your answers.

• When you do get around to sharing something about your business, he quickly turns your comment into a chance to move the spotlight back on himself.

• At networking events, this person is hunting for new prospects, shaking hands, and passing out as many business cards as humanly possible, moving quickly from person to person.

• When you exchange business cards with this person, he doesn't even glance at your card, never makes a written note on the back, and quickly tucks it away in a pocket.

• While you are with this person, she is always looking around to see who else she can be meeting, rather than focusing her attention on you with continued eye contact.

• You always feel a little slimy after an encounter with a networking frog.

How can you be sure that you are a networking prince or princess and not a frog? The simple answer is to do the opposite of what the networking frog does. A great example of networking royalty is my friend, Jerry. 

Jerry is always giving referrals and making introductions for his referral partners, many times before they even ask. Jerry is constantly going out of his way to help people with their businesses, because he has invested the time and energy to learn what his referral partners are looking for in a potential client. When you talk to Jerry, you really feel listened to -- he maintains eye contact and focuses on you. In fact, you almost have to force him to share about his business and how you can help him. You can count on Jerry to follow up on referrals you send him in a timely manner, and he returns your calls and emails within a day or two. If you run into Jerry at a networking event, he’s greeting new people with a smile, introducing them to others, and just being generally helpful. After an encounter with Jerry, you feel like royalty!

That’s how to become quickly known for being a Networking Prince or Princess.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to tell if you’re dealing with a frog in your first meeting with someone. It make take a little time to discover a person’s true networking nature, so keep your eyes peeled for the signs above. Sometimes frogs are on their best behavior at networking events. Their scales and warts reveal themselves later in follow-up interactions with them.

In networking, you are simply going to have to kiss some frogs to find your true princes and princesses. Just make sure that you are not being a Networking Frog yourself. Pattern your networking skills after my friend Jerry, and you will become known far and wide, throughout the land, as networking royalty. 

Source:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article
Image Credit: catblack10

ABOUT WNFP

Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business networking association dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop, expand and grow. We offer affordable opportunities to help create a positive impact and advancement in your business interests and personal quality of life to take you to the next level.
Stay Connected with WNFP!

3 Essential Questions to Ask for Your Networking Plan

As a time-strapped businessperson, how do you figure out which networking events to attend and which you should let go by the wayside? A networking strategy can help you decide which events are worth your time. Here are three easy—and essential—questions you need to answer in order to create a plan that will work for you.

Question #1: Who are my best prospects?

You’d be surprised at the number of business professionals who can’t clearly define their best prospects. Most of them either reply, “Everyone!” – or with some other vague description that sounds good on the surface but doesn’t offer specifics. This is why business professionals so often find themselves running all over town trying to attend every networking event that comes down the pike.

Since serial networkers don’t have time to follow up immediately with the people they meet, they often don’t see results in the way of increased sales. So they throw their hands in the air and wail, “Networking doesn’t work for me!” But as a smart, enterprising businessperson, you already know that networking works. It’s just a matter of developing a strategy that connects you with the right people and allows you the time to properly follow up with them.
Some people aren’t even sure what their “ideal prospects” look like. It’s easy to go back and take a look at your past client list. Who are your very best customers? What industries are they in? How long have they been in business? Are your customers businesses or consumers?

The owner of a vacuum center that I know provides a good example of how this works. You might be thinking that his customer is anyone who needs a vacuum cleaner, right? Not really. This entrepreneur would say that his ideal customer is a woman with children or pets (or both) who likely lives in a very nice neighborhood and drives a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Infiniti. She is most concerned with the health of her family and a quality product, not someone shopping for a bargain-basement deal. Why is it important to be this specific? Because if he tells you to send him anyone who needs a vacuum cleaner, does anyone come to your mind right now? Probably not. But if he says you should send him busy women with kids and pets who drive luxury cars or SUV’s, a particular person is more likely to pop into your head.

Once you’ve put together a profile of the people you’ve worked with in the past, pick up the phone and run it by a few trusted friends and colleagues. Those who are close to you often have insights into patterns that you tend to overlook because you’re busy with day-to-day operations. Once you get that nailed down, you can go on to the next question.

Question #2: Where can I meet my best prospects, or people who can introduce me to my prospects?

Networking doesn’t mean just hopping into the car and attending the next Chamber of Commerce event. Yes, the Chamber and other business associations are excellent means of finding and meeting new prospects, and we recommend them as a great starting point. But as your business evolves and you begin targeting specific niche markets, there are other venues that fall outside typical networking events. And that’s the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we’re going to discuss here.

Generally speaking, if you’re trying to meet more small business owners, you’ll want to spend time at your local Chamber of Commerce, a local business association, or with a referral group. Not only do these groups have exactly the type of audience you want to meet, but also with referral groups, there’s typically a system in place that helps you – help others to get more referrals for you.

If your business is geared more towards consumers, then getting involved with your kids’ events—Little League, Girl Scouts, or your church’s youth group—is another good way to meet the right people.

If you’re that real estate agent who wants to meet first-time homebuyers and people interested in moving downtown, you’ll probably find more prospects by networking at downtown events. It doesn’t matter which event, as long as it’s being held in the center of the city. That should bring you into contact with people who might be thinking about moving out of their apartment and into a house. Look also for networking events likely to be attended by young professionals, since these are the people most likely to be living in an apartment while accumulating the disposable income to buy a downtown condo or home.

Question #3: Who, exactly, do I want to meet?

Most people are not well connected in any practical sense. However, even accomplished networkers sometimes fail to realize that they’re closer to a much-desired contact than they imagine. The principles behind making the right kind of connection can be summed up in the simple adage “You don’t know who they know.”

The idea is that the greater the number of networks you’re connected to, the greater the chance that there’s a short chain of contacts between you and anyone you’d care to meet. All you have to do is recognize that fact and ask a few people a specific question or two. The answers will either put you in direct contact with a prospect or lead you in the direction of the networking events you need to attend. Even if you can’t name the specific people you want to meet, the better you can describe them, the greater the chance that you’ll get to meet your ideal contact. The secret ingredient in this principle is specificity.

The way to meet the unknown contact is to be as detailed as possible without being too exclusive. You can do this by starting your question like this: “Who do you know who…” You complete the sentence with specifics: “Who do you know who is a new parent?” “Who do you know who belongs to an organization that builds houses for the homeless?” By asking for a particular kind of contact, you focus the other person’s attention on details that are more likely to remind him of a specific person than if you asked, “Do you know anyone who needs my services?”

Finally, remember that it’s important to surround yourself with quality business contacts, since the best way to your ideal contact very often is through someone you already know. 

Source:https://www.entrepreneur.com/article
Image Credit:Shutterstock

ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is a business networking association dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs develop, expand and grow. We offer affordable opportunities to help create a positive impact and advancement in your business interests and personal quality of life to take you to the next level.
Stay Connected with WNFP!

7 Ways to Increase Your Charisma

When you are able to leave a positive and lasting impression on anyone you come across, the world will become your oyster. Some people are born charismatic. The good news is that this charming talent is learnable and yours for the taking. This talent is widely knows as "charisma."

So let’s explore a number of effective ways that you can increase your levels of charisma and help your networking skills.

Start With the Sweet Spot

I have a great way of connecting with people that I’ve found to work really well, anywhere I go. I like to ask people what they love doing or what fascinates them. And when they answer me, I then ask them, “What is the one key thing that impacted you in this area, or one key thing that you love about this passion? etc.."

And I don’t just do it to make them feel good, I do it because I love seeing people talk about what lights them up. I also love learning cool and interesting things from others.

You have to remember, everybody has a story.

So imagine walking into a room at a party, event or conference. I want you to imagine: digital numbers lit up above each and every persons head in that room and those numbers signify the years of knowledge, living and experience that person has had. A room of 100 people at an average age of 30 to 40 years old would have around 3,000 to 4,000 years of combined knowledge and insight into life.

That thought alone BLOWS MY MIND!

So why wouldn’t you go in with the idea of extracting and sharing the awesome things you can learn from each individual? I’ve had some of the most amazing experiences and opportunities come about by approaching people with this perspective.

So imagine, meeting every one in the room before the end of the night?

How incredible would the stories, lessons and opportunities be that come about from this?

That was just an example to help shift your perspective a little when it comes to meeting new people. The problem is that most people feel like they don’t have the confidence to network with the masses because they don’t haven't developed the skills of building rapport and leaving a long lasting impression.

Well, what if you were able to set yourself up in a way that whenever you step into any room you bring with you a finely tuned advantage? What if you were able to keep your level of charisma at an all time high?

It’s possible, with these 7 keys you can increase your levels of charisma so that you leave a positive, long-lasting impression on others.

1. Stay Tuned

So first things first. When you’re talking with anyone you have to be ALERT. When I say alert, I mean completely present. If it’s a one-on one-conversation, you should leave them feeling like they’re the only one in the room.

If you are in a group, make the speaker feel important. If you are the speaker in the group, then be alert to everyone in that group when you deliver. Look at each person. This is something I used to struggle with until my fiance pulled me up on it and now I make the effort to look and talk to each individual during the conversation.

This will absolutely change the impact you have in groups. You will notice a huge shift in conversations and will leave a lasting impression on multiple people instead of just one or two.

So stay alert.

2. Stay Smart and Sharp

If you’re a charismatic person, you’re usually less stressed, more successful and more attractive. Now, when I say attractive, I don’t mean sexy in the face or perfectly symmetrical. I mean you look like you look after yourself, and that you smile and know how to look good without over doing it. That’s charisma!

And the great news is, you can learn to be more charismatic. It’s not a genetic thing, it comes from learned behaviours over years.

A lot of leaders are looked at as charismatic because they stand tall, they have a strong belief in themselves, they love to learn and grow and they love to inspire and influence others.

3. Remember and Repeat

When you can repeat someone’s name or use it as an example when you’re talking to them, this is a great way of subtly complimenting them without the cheesy try-hard lines.

They will really respect that you remember their name, because it makes them feel special and worth talking to.

What I do when I meet people is I use a one-line command on myself just before I introduce myself to them.

And that's another key….. 

Always introduce yourself first, instead of sitting back waiting for someone else to introduce you.

And once you do and you ask for their name, talk to your subconscious and say this one-line command to yourself: “Remember his or her name.” Do it just before you go in for the introduction.

This forces you to focus on their reply, and it also activates the subconscious to pay attention so you can better recall their name from your memory later in the conversation.

When they say their name, repeat it once back to them and a few times over in your head.  

Even drop their name in there now and then throughout the conversation, during every second or third question question. Doing so helps cement their name in your memory

I've done it over the years with a huge success.

4. Master Your Other Language

The next key to charisma would be to watch your body language. It’s proven that body language can increase your level of confidence dramatically.

Body language is a language any nationality can understand.

People unconsciously read your body movement and facial expressions as you approach them so if you have certainty and posture and you are authentically happy and positive then this will show up as charisma to others.

Something I learned during my training with Tony Robbins is, if you stand in a Superman’s pose, or Superhero pose, tall with your chin up, your feet shoulder-width apart, with your hands on your hips and are looking up towards the sky and you hold this for a few minutes, this is scientifically proven to alter your state and raise your level of confidence.

And confidence is a huge component of charisma. People will admire you for your confidence, usually because most people struggle with being confident themselves.

So remember this: Your body follows your mind. Your body is the unconscious.

That’s why people are able to visualize things and imagine things like temperatures and sensations and physically feel it, even when in reality nothing is there or happening to them in the physical. 

So now knowing “how you feel” can affect your facial expressions, and body language, wouldn’t it be a great idea to start imaging yourself with supreme confidence?

Like you’re a freakin' superhero! Get so good at this that you can activate this on command.

This can be achieved through practice.

5. Your Eyes Say Everything

People feel the confidence in you when you can hold good eye contact.

Just don’t be a freak about it. It’s not a stare off.

If you find it hard in the beginning to hold eye contact, stare right in the middle of someone’s head between their eyes where the top of their nose starts.

It looks like you’re staring straight into their eyes. That’s another neat little trick, so give it a try. You won’t feel nervous at all.

6. No More Complaining

Another key for charisma is to stay away from negative conversation. Make the effort every day to not complain.

Keep the conversation positive. Even if someone is negative and you keep sharing the light, they can’t help but to get a little bit of the residual positive on them to.

When they think of you, they remember you and your conversations as a positive experience.

Keep diverting the conversation to a positive note. So that way others around you know that you set the standard, expecting positive conversations and nothing less. 

7. Good Words Go Far

Genuinely compliment people. This takes years of practice. Most people don’t pay attention to detail and they miss out on the opportunity to compliment others. That’s why when you do compliment someone, (once again, genuinely), this really stands out.

I know women are better at this, so imagine hearing a compliment or two from a guy when it’s least expected?

And don’t forget to be a little more expressive when you talk, with your body language and with your facial expressions. You paint a better picture this way when you share stories. You want people you come across to remember your stories and the conversations you had with them over the boring stand still conversations they may have had that day with others.

Conclusion

So you now have a good number of things you can work with to increase your charisma.

If you can put this into practice you’ll have an amazing influence over others and be able to lead in a more compelling way.

There’s great power in being a highly charismatic person.

We unconsciously pick up, frame by frame on the facial expressions, body language and energy of the other person, so whoever is more influential, confident, charming or appealing, this is going to influence the other less certain and switched on individual.

Remember: Charisma is the transference of enthusiasm. That means having the passion, energy and spirit and sharing that with others to feel the same.

If this helps you to remember what it means to be charismatic then live by this.

Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com

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ABOUT WNFP
Westchester Networking for Professionals (WNFP) is an organization consisting of professionals and entrepreneurs which focuses on the success of our Members. We help our Members establish lasting relationships and generate new business opportunities towards the growth of their business.
Stay Connected with WNFP!