Speak First Newsletter - August 2006
In this month's newsletter we aim to include even more indispensable information that will help you improve your communication skills and business relationships.
Personal Impact is certainly a hot topic at the moment with a number of our clients saying this invaluable ‘skill' is high on their agenda. Our brief article, How much personal impact do you have?, will get you thinking about how to get more of it and achieve the success you deserve.
You can't afford to miss our new series called Secrets of Success where our Trainers share some of their hot tips. This month Steve Bavister kicks off the series with his advice on Networking.
Warm wishes
Amanda and Jackie
How much personal impact do you have?
Be honest. When you walk in a room do eyes turn in your direction or do they glaze over when you talk to people about your day or what you do? Can you hold the attention of a group and have them hanging on your every word? Or do they suddenly find they have to be somewhere else, or interrupt you mid-stream? Personal impact is important - no, it's crucial for success not only personally but also professionally. If you want to influence people, be an effective leader and achieve great results then you need bags of impact.
Where does it come from and how do you get more of it? Click here for the answers to these questions and much more.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Last week we became the first and only soft skills training company to be accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to provide courses for it's 30,000 members under their core curriculum for CPD. The RIBA assessors rated our new courses as 'excellent'.
Secrets of Success
Steve Bavister shares his ten secrets for successful networking
1. Start with the end in mind Be clear about your outcome from the outset. How many new people do you want to meet? What type of contacts do you want to make? Is there anyone in particular you would like to get to know?
2. Recognise opportunities Make the most of every chance meeting not just networking events. You can meet new people on a train, at a football match or the gym.
3. Be positive - expect success Many people hold back from meeting new people because they fear rejection. If you think things will go well they will; conversely if you believe they won't you will also be right. Make sure your self-fulfilling prophecy is positive.
4. Take action - just do it Don't be a wall flower. Go talk to people. Holding yourself small doesn't serve you or them. Be bold and you will reap rewards.
5. Introduce yourself effectively Prepare a brief ‘elevator pitch' introduction (as long as it would take to go from the ground to the fifth floor in a lift). Don't just tell them what you do - sell them the benefits and make it engaging.
6. Connect with people quickly Rapport is the glue that holds people together. It may seem simple and many of us achieve it naturally but it can be enhanced and developed. One simple way is by matching the other person's body language.
7. Make interesting small talk Keep up to speed with the latest news items, sporting events and TV programmes. If all you do is talk about work or heavy serious subjects you may find people drift away to find some light entertainment.
8. Focus on what matters to them Take an interest and find ways to help them. Networking isn't about the ‘old boys club' it's about getting to know people and letting them get to know you.
9. Get your message across If you have one key message to convey about what you offer or the service you provide make sure it isn't lost in all the small talk. Say it clearly and let them know the benefits they'll get from it.
10. Develop the relationship Make sure you follow up - fast but not too fast (email within a day or two or call straight away if you have a specific purpose.
For more information on our Networking Courses, contact us.
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