Bringing Your Best Self!
Are you putting your best foot forward?
How important is it that you give the best impression of yourself when you meet people? Research has proven that it takes just one-tenth of a second for us to judge someone and make a first impression.
My work with clients heading to job interviews or important meetings, involves a lot of talk about them bringing their absolute best, whilst at the same time being real and authentic. Sound difficult?
Actually, the way you connect with people at all times is key to the success of your relationships with people. And because life is all about relationships and connections, it is super important to consider how you come across to others.
Being aware of a few basic points could be a game changer and could be the difference between you making the impact you desire or being easily forgotten!
Here are some points to consider when bringing your best!
Perhaps you have an important meeting coming up or you're meeting people for the first time.
1. Be Confident
Even if you're not feeling confident, fake it till you make it! Shoulders back, smile on your face, good eye contact and your hand out ready to introduce yourself with a firm handshake (nothing is worse than a soggy piece of lettuce hand shake!) Our body language affects how others sees us, but it can also change how we see ourselves. Check out Amy Cuddy's TED talk to learn more!
2. Be Authentic
If being inauthentic is telling ourselves we should be a certain way, authenticity is accepting who we are and being the best version of ourselves. As Brene Browne says 'authenticity is not something we have or don't have. It's a practice - a conscious choice of how we want to live.' We all know people who walk into a room and instantly draw people to them. They are usually deeply rooted in their own sense of belonging - comfortable in their own skin. Their energy draws people in.
3. Be Alive!
When I recently spoke to a class of workshop participants on nailing job interviews, I was at home with my headset on moving around the room, like I would if I was speaking on a stage. Had I sat down and spoke, I would have had difficulty communicating the passion for the topic from my voice alone. Be aware of the energy in your voice. You want to exude an energy for life!
4. Ask yourself 'what do I want people to experience from me'?
I have written about this before, because it is a good question to ask yourself when connecting with everyone in your life - family included! Do you want people to feel better for having connected with you?
5. Come from a Loving Place Within Yourself
I've always got to put this in and really it should go at the top. When we come from a loving place within ourselves only good can radiate from us. It sounds a bit fluffy but I really believe it.
