Engagement - the secret to successful networking

​Last week I wrote about Networking the Right Way and how to use mindset, being present and that it was about quality conversations not the quantity of them.
 
It is often said that people make up their minds about someone in the first couple of moments, I call this “Engagement” and it can set you up to succeed or fail, it comes primarily from your eyes, face and body.
 
1. The best way to use your eyes are to look deeply into the other person, in a way that says I am listening to you, you can trust me, it is safe here. Good eye contact with whoever you are talking to is paramount in building rapport quickly, as Faraaz Kazi says “Eye contact is way more intimate than words will ever be”.
 
2. The smile on your face is most effective when working in tandem with your eyes – on average a child smiles 400 times per day, an adult 20…. and happy adults 45. Additionally, it takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown; finally smiling releases endorphins and helps others feel at ease. There have been many times in my life where I have had a couple of good belly laughs on a night out and wake up the next morning feeling like I’d been on two weeks holiday – it’s a no brainer.
 
3. It is important for all of us to be aware of how we are using body; always being respectful of people’s “space”, it can make them feel comfortable when done well or threatened when not. It is commonly said that communication is 7% words, 38% tone & 55% body language so being mindful of this and the effect you are having on whoever you are talking others is crucial.

It takes practice but the conscious alignment of your eyes, face and body has a huge impact on the effect you have on others, the signals you send out is like a lighthouse – it is safe here, you can trust me, I will respect you.

“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute”. -Simon Sinek 

**Charlie is an expert in developing external sales teams and people, particularly where relationships and solution selling are the key differentiators. www.charliepidcock.com.au