Everywhere you look on media there are relationship reality shows; The Bachelor, Married at First Sight, Dating, and the list goes on.
In these shows you see a lot of participants meeting for the first time – where it’s all about first impressions. When you next walk through the door at BNI, even if you’ve been a member for a while, imagine that it’s your first meeting again. How can you make a great first impression each week and improve your referral success by using body language to your advantage?
- Before you walk through the door, take a moment to collect yourself so you can present yourself in a professional way. Your presentation at BNI doesn’t begin when you start your 60 seconds, it begins the moment you walk through the door. Remember this as you are coming to a meeting, try to put aside any busyness from the earlier part of the morning, so that you aren’t preoccupied when you meet fellow members.
- Always use eye contact and present a positive attitude.
- Respect other people’s personal space. Choose a good distance between you, if you stand too close to someone (nearer than one and a half feet), it may signal that you don’t respect their personal space. Aim to make people around you feel comfortable so that they want to stay and network longer.
- Smile. Smiling can greatly improve your mood and reduce stress. Smiling doesn’t just benefit you on the inside. It also works to your advantage from the outside. Studies have found that people who smile appear to be more likeable, courteous. and even competent. This is reason enough to smile at every member and visitor to your chapter!
- Try not to be distracted with your phone or other mobile devices. If you must take a (vitally important) call, excuse yourself from the room. Show members respect by maintaining eye contact and focusing on the speaker.
Body language
Body language counts; in the words of our BNI founder Dr Ivan Misner: “Your body language and behaviour can turn a stranger into a referral partner or into just another body in the room.” Body language is a very powerful tool. Around 80% of what you understand in conversation is interpreted through body language, rather than the spoken word. To improve in this area…
- Begin with your posture – back straight but not rigid, and shoulders relaxed so you don’t look too uptight.
- Align your body with the person you’re talking to – this shows you’re engaged.
- Mirror the body language you are observing, showing you agree and that you like the person you are with.
- Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, showing you are open to what someone else is communicating, and as with your arms, keep your legs uncrossed to absorb more of what’s going on.
- Use your hands to gesture when you speak – this improves your credibility with the listener. In addition, there is evidence that gesturing with your hands while speaking improves your thinking processes.
- With appropriate nods and genuine smiles, you are showing the speaker that you understand, agree, and are listening to his or her opinions.
Your body language can directly impact how people perceive you and make or break a first impression. Smiling and a positive attitude can make you seem more approachable and welcoming, key to helping build your relationships with new referral partners. So, tune in, present your best angle and turn up your Smile Dial today at BNI!
