Adrian Newman’s latest é-Wealth Daily’ article is titled “How to Act Like a Professional”. [‘e-Wealth Daily’Article]

Adrian Newman’s latest ‘e-Wealth Daily’ article:

How to Act Like a Professional

Has this happened to you? You hear about a perfect opportunity, whether it’s a “can’t-miss” job opening or a chance to secure an investor in your company, and yet the opportunity passes you by. You have all the qualifications and resources, yet when it comes to “closing the deal,” you can’t seem to make it happen.

In my experience, I’ve met with several people who’ve walked through my door with stellar credentials, yet, in a face-to-face meeting, have disappointed — all those impressive stats on paper get thrown out the window, because they don’t know how to handle themselves in a professional manner.

Believe it or not, most of the time, it’s how you present yourself that will close a deal for you, not your experience or your resources.

To put it bluntly: the way you present yourself to others may be keeping you from success!

Here are some tips that I’ve picked up that can increase your chances of success:

Make Eye Contact. Always look the person you are talking to in the eye. Never look down, start glancing around the room or look at someone else. The person will think you’re disinterested in them, and they will become disinterested in you.

If you have a problem looking someone in the eye, here’s a tip: focus on their eyes, not their entire face. This may dull your phobia of looking at them face-to-face.

Speak Clearly. Mumbling, long pauses, and “um-ing” and “aw-ing” are sure-fire ways for you to get dismissed out of an important person’s office. Think about what you are going to say before you say it, and be prepared to answer questions.

Limit Hand Gestures. Try to limit your hand movements. It’s okay to gesture a few times when emphasizing a point. Other than that, you should keep your hands folded in front of you. If it helps to hold something in your hand (like a pen), then do so. Just don’t fidget with it!

(Did you know that Hugh Hefner was given a pipe by a TV director because he thought that his constant hand movements were distracting? Now that very pipe is a main part of his image!)

Schedule Around Illness. If you’re feeling sick, chances are you look sick. And if you look sick, chances are whomever you are trying to sell yourself to will want you out of their office as quickly as possible. So, if you’ve got a red nose, and pale skin, and you’re coughing like a coal miner, reschedule. Note: try to reschedule for as soon as possible.

Follow Etiquette. If you’re in an important meeting, let’s say with someone who is interested in investing in your new business, try to be as “classy” as possible. Hold the door open for them. Guys, wait for women in the room to sit first, and always stand when they stand. In fact, you should always stand to shake hands with anyone.

If someone offers you a drink, don’t ask for a non-fat cappuccino with four sweeteners on the side! If you need a drink, ask for water. Not only will it help you when you’re speaking, but it will always be on hand. There’s no need for someone to have to brew coffee for you.

Another trick I’ve learned is, when the other person starts walking towards the door, follow them. This is because they want you out of the office. This doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. It may just mean they are busy and need to get back to work.

Follow up. Wait for two days. If you haven’t heard from the person yet, call them. If they aren’t in, leave a detailed message. If they don’t call you back within a week, consider them uninterested.

e-Wealth Daily

About e-Wealth Daily

The e-Wealth Daily Bulletin brings you daily tips, advice and breaking news related to home businesses, small businesses and internet marketing. Our team of experts gives you the information you need to take your business pursuits to the most profitable level. Founded by Adrian Newman in 2003, the e-Wealth Daily Bulletin and www.ewealthdaily.com are a division of Lombardi Publishing with online newsletters reaching over 100,000 subscribers each month.

* IMNewsWatch would like to thank e-Wealth Daily for granting permission to reprint this article.

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