You hear a lot about polishing your business’ brand, but do you ever apply that same principal to your personal brand? Perhaps you make new connections at every networking event you attend — great! But are you paying much attention to how you are being perceived? Take a minute to examine your professional image and honestly ask if it aligns with your business goals.
We’ve collected tips for preening your image that can ultimately lead to more referrals – good referrals.
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So you’ve put together a network of people that know about and maybe even have worked with/shopped with your business. Great! But how can you start getting more referrals out of people who are already in your network so that you can expand the size of that network and reach out to new potential clients or customers? Dress the part. It may seem trite, but first impressions do matter. Pay attention to how you dress. What is your outfit saying about your profession? Could someone guess what you do for a living based on what you wear? Your outfits should align with the kind of work you do — so, if you’re a personal trainer in a three-piece suit, it may confuse people. Make sure that what you’re wearing fits well and complements you. People do notice how you look.
- Be mindful of your social media pages. When social media is so ripe for professional networking, it can be tempting to be 100% brand-minded on all of your pages. While you should maintain a professional attitude, about two out of three posts should contain personal touches, such as updates on your family, hobbies, interests, and goals. As much as people judge your physical appearance, they also judge your online appearance.
- Know your role. When someone asks what you do for a living, be prepared to have a concise, professional reply. Make sure it is as unique as you are, and make it easy to repeat. This will help others refer you in networking situations. Keep it to one sentence, such as, “I specialize in website usability for small businesses.”
- Stick to your word. Being a professional means that you take a professional attitude to all aspects of your work. Be courteous, and always show up to meetings on time. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep, and always follow-up with people. It keeps you fresh in your peers’ minds and leaves a positive impression.
- Be mindful of your nonverbals. Have you ever met someone with an obvious nervous habit, such as laughing or ending every sentence with the same word or phrase, like “Right?” or “You know what I mean?” You may have similar habits that you’re unaware of. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to observe you in networking scenarios and pay attention to any verbal or nonverbal cues that may be off-putting. Your eye contact, posture, and facial expressions are just as important as the words you say, as 80% of perceptions are based on body language.
by Christine Kelly
CEO and Queen Bee | Viral Solutions LLC
Copyright 2016 Viral Solutions LLC
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
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