How to Avoid Awkward Beginnings

Posted: August 21, 2011

In order to get prople to like you, you must be likable. That's pretty simple. Develop the traits you admire in someone you deem as being likable. Chances are, someone you consider likable is already somehwat like you, so this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for you.

When you first meet a person, your goal is to get them to:

1. like you;
2. trust you; and
3. want to listen to you.

If you are meeting a person, after a call to set up an appointment, you must have built enough curiosity in what you will do for them to get that far. They obviously want to listen to you. However, their curiosity will only take them so far. Once they've gotten the basic idea of what the product or service you provide will do for them, they'll need to like and trust you enough to want to do business with you.

To begin building trust, establish a common ground. If you're a fan of the same sports team, if you have children the same ages or if you belong to the same community service organizaiton, they'll see how similar you are to them. Most people trust and want to do business wiht people who are like themselves.

Look and listen for ideas of what's important to this person. If you don't see or hear anything that you would feel comfortable asking about, don't become anxious. You don't want to create an awkward situation by appearing as if you're struggling to come up with a subject. In business situations, you can always ask about the neighborhood or good local restaurants. If you visit with a consumer at their home, mention the landscaping, the general style of decor, or a painting hanging on the wall.
The more relaxed you are, the fewer awkward beginnings you'll encounter.

Biz Tip Source: Tom Hopkins International