A professional touch is crucial: Proper Interaction

          Sometimes it’s easy to forget how important your interaction with others can affect outcomes.  How you engage yourself can play a deciding factor whether or not you close a deal with a new client, or completing a partnership agreement necessary to carry your business forward.  Displaying your level of interest will help provide trust and respect for whom you’re interacting with.  Here are a few helpful tips and reminders to boost your competitive advantage.

        Dress the part:

It doesn’t hurt to show that you care what the other person thinks of you.  Dress appropriately and create a good appearance.  A good rule of thumb; less is more.  Keep your look simple and classic.  Remove facial and body piercings, cover visible tattoos, and keep fragrances, makeup and jewelry to a minimum.  You don’t want to attract negative attention to yourself.

       Greeting and acknowledging others:

When extending a simple greeting, make sure you pay attention when getting their name.  Use their name when possible throughout the conversation while making good eye contact.  This lets your acquaintance know you’re engaged, and your time at the moment is dedicated to them.  If you’re meeting someone for the first time, make sure you give a firm handshake.  You may have heard this a hundred times but people still seem to give the “power grip” or the “floppy fish handshake.”  Don’t let something so simple kill your first impression. 

           

       Cell phones during meetings and conversations:

Put the cell phone away!  Technology is a great and powerful thing that keeps us moving and can be difficult to put down.  However it’s very important you show proper respect of someone’s time and effort to be involved with your interactions.  Have you ever had someone checking their blackberry, or sending a text message while you tried to talk to them about something important?  You get the impression that they’re just not that interested and it can be very frustrating.  If it’s a situation that can’t be avoided, kindly excuse yourself for the moment or let whoever know you’re expecting a critical call or message. 

            

Keep these suggestions in the back of your mind next time you meet with someone. Small details can be the final ingredient to huge success!