8/11/2019 StyleforSuccess Professional Presence POC Tips

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Professional PresencePOC & Quick Reference Guide

 

Use the Host Mentality to Strengthen Your Relationships

Analyze all your POC points of contact and look at yourself/organization through the eyes of theclient/colleague and make improvements where necessary. Take it a step beyond doing a great job.

  Internal reception/meetings

  External meetings/work

  Phone/Electronic communication or social media

 

Participation at social/business functions and special events

1. What creates a positive impression? Is the host mentality apparent?

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2. What undermines a positive impression?

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3. Are the messages at each point of contact consistent with each other?

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People would rather do business with those that they know, like and trust. - Mark H. McCormack

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Three things I’m going to do to strengthen my relationships:

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In business keep your eyes open, adopt the good practices and learn from the bad. – Joanne Blake & Terry Pithers

8/11/2019 StyleforSuccess Professional Presence POC Tips

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Seven Ways to Makea Great First Impression

Five Worst Body LanguageMistakes to Avoid

  Sit and stand straight. Good posture is a signof confidence.

  Make appropriate eye contact.

 

Wear clothes that are clean, unwrinkled &stain-free with polished shoes.

 

Wear a jacket, it adds credibly & confidence.

 

Have a pleasant expression on your face & inyour voice.

  If you enter a meeting or reception, look like

you belong there. Greet people & smile.

Weak Handshake A handshake that isn’t firm will signal a lack of authority. Onethat is ‘bone crushing’ can make you appear overly aggressive.

Looking DownWhen giving a presentation, if you look down while making a

point, it loses its power & can may you look weak. In everydayinteractions, it can make you look self-conscious.

Invading Others’ Space When you are closer than 1.5 feet away from a colleague or youtreat their possessions & office as if it were your own, it signals

disrespect & that you don’t have an understanding of boundaries

Frowning or Scowling Scowls & frowns, often unintentional & unconscious,communicate disagreement or discomfort. If you have an open &smiling expression, you will find others perceive you as open &friendly & will generally be more accepting of your ideas.

Angling Body Away From OthersToo much physical distance, angling the body away from theperson you’re speaking with or not leaning into a conversationmay communication that you are uncomfortable, distrustful ordisinterested in the subject.

Harvard & Columbia researchers found that people who displayconfident body language will actually feel & act more confident &

in turn instill confidence in others.

Telephone Etiquette 

 

When calling someone, don’t make them guesswho you are. Identify yourself .

  Respect others' time. After identifyingyourself, ask, "Do you have a minute?"

 

Ask permission to put someone on hold. After placing someone on hold & returning tothe line, say "Thanks for waiting."

  Ensure your enthusiasm & warmth comesthrough in your voice.

  Use the caller’s name in the conversation

 

When leaving a message repeat your

telephone number & best time to reach you.

 

Listen to your own voice mail. Does itrepresent you & your brand? 

E-mail Etiquette Business Dining

  Use a subject line that is specific and reflectsthe content of the e-mail.

 

Proofread all emails that could influenceyour brand.

 

Keep your e-mails short as many peopleread them on mobile devices.

 

To add warmth include a pleasantry (“Hopeall is well” or “Have a great weekend”).

 

Use proper greetings and closings unlessyou have a very informal relationship.

 

Reply in a timely manner – within 24 hours(even if you don’t have the answer).

 

Use a complete & professional signature.

  Avoid looking awkward, use either the American orContinental style.

 

When dining with 2 guests seat yourself so you can focuson both.

 

To avoid interruptions, don’t start any business untilorders are taken.

 

Hosts should order last so they can match courses withguests.

 

Treat wait staff with respect, your clients are watching.  Pace yourself  with your guests.

 

Come prepared for conversation and business.  Practice by dining at home as though you were dining out.

Making Small Talk

What Works?  As important as what you say, is how you say

it. Wear a smile. It is always becoming to yourvoice.

  If you find yourself alone, look for others wholook similarly disengaged. You could also standnear the bar or the food table.

 

One tip that often works is to imagine you area host. Now you will be less worried aboutyourself & more concerned about other people.

What Doesn’t Work? X   Don’t attempt to make a derogatory remark under the guise

of humor (that’s sarcasm). X   Lengthy emotional debates will not contribute to the

gathering. Death, politics, sex, religion, illness & moneyusually head the list of subjects to be avoided.

End on a PositiveNo matter how seriously you try, not all conversations can bemade into engaging discussions. Eventually even goodconversations come to an end. Tell the other person how muchyou have enjoyed speaking with them & go on to meet others.