Prime Minister John Key was on to something when he said there’s too much focus on doom and gloom and people looking to attract jobs or new business would be wise to heed the Prime Minister’s advice.
Along with most people actively involved with BNI over a number of years, it doesn’t take lone to learn that those who adopt the ‘don’t worry, be happy’ attitude are more likely to succeed – in any social interaction people are attracted to those who are upbeat and positive, and are usually put off by those who are glum – whether it’s a sales pitch or job interview.
I would suggest that the election of Barrack Obama and John Key here in New Zealand were firstly choices based on candidates people believed offered the most leadership and hope. I believe that if you can be the kind of person other people want to be around – because you lift their spirits – then you’re going to thrive no matter what the circumstances.
It’s not a case of being an ostrich with its head in the sand, it’s simply accepting what you cannot change and changing what you can – your attitude and your own personal circumstances.
Here are some tips that will help business owners attract and keep customers, and job seekers who want to land that plum job:
* Be a good listener and ask lots of questions. There’s a great old quote that goes: “The more interested you are, the more interesting you will be…”
*Smile frequently. We know it is infectious.
* Be quick to give genuine compliments; they help to boost a person’s spirits.
* Remember names and use them frequently. It demonstrates that you‘ve paid attention and that you’re trying to connect.
* Say ‘please and thank you’. Even your mum knew that good manners make a good impression.
By making a conscious effort to be cheerful, we cheer ourselves up too.
2 comments
Ki Ora Colin
I would have thought that BNI was an apolitical organisation and it is disappointing to see you bring politics into your blog.
John Key was not elected to office – the National Party was. Nor does New Zealand have an office of president (as much as the media may want it to) and to infer otherwise is factually incorrect. I believe that any competent political analyst would also successfully argue that the National Party had great success in the 2008 election not because John Key offered hope or leadership but because the electorate was sick to the teeth of the 4th Labour government. Therefore to attempt to place John Key and Barrack Obama in the same context in this respect is absurd.
Never the less I agree 100% with your message that we should be getting on with it. The fundamentals to running a successful business remain unchanged and being polite costs nothing and earns everything.
I am constantly amazed by the number of business answer calls like I am the enemy. I wonder how on earth they stay in business. You mention to smile frequently and I would also recommend that this is not only done with the face but also with the voice.
Regards
Paul Bailey
Thanks for your feedback Paul, I take your point – I could also have articulated my points better.
What I was trying to say was that people are looking for leadership and inspiration right now. We need people who are going to put their hands up, offer direction, lead by example… regardless of their politics.
Whether that person (once they have the following) can provide the necessary leadership is another matter entirely – and I think both Obama and Key will be tested in the months to come.
We however, people in business and ‘the men and women on the street’ so to speak, can provide leadership throught attitude and action within our sphere’s of influence – taking action, any action, is got to be better than doing nothing.
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