When in doubt, show some teeth

DAVE SHERMAN

One of the toughest parts of creating more connections is walking up to a total stranger and introducing yourself. To help make this easier, allow me to share with you the first of three important parts of an initial introduction. No, one of them is not a killer 30-second "elevator speech."

For years, people have always asked me to help write a great introduction for them so they can walk up to people, give them their 30-second pitch, and make the connection. While I believe the proper introduction can help engage people into a great conversation, it's more of who you are and the impression you make on people that help create the most connections.

The first and most important step to approaching new people is to have a great smile. Some of us can do this naturally, but this can be a challenge for other people. I don't care if you are the biggest sourpuss in the world; anyone can conjure up a good smile when they need to.

Have you ever wondered why a smile is so powerful? It's just a small facial expression that is caused by the upturning of your lips and the displaying of many of your teeth. However, it's so much more.

Smiles show friendship. Smiles are kind of like a peace offering for the new people you are meeting. It shows them that you are friendly and warm and have a desire to meet them.
Smiles make new friends. This is a universally known symbol of kindness. All over the world, the smile is used to create the beginning of so many relationships.
Smiles put others at ease. When meeting people for the first time, the best way to create connections is to do what you can to help make the other people feel more comfortable.
Smiles make you look happy, confident and self-assured - People want to be associated with people who are happy, confident and self-assured. Smile more often and people will want to meet you.
Smiles can be the start of a lifelong relationship. All great relationships must have a starting point. In most cases, that starting point is always a great smile.

If you want to meet more people, make more connections, be more successful and enjoy a happier and healthier life overall, wipe that scowl off of your face and start smiling more. You will look better, feel better, and best of all, people will start warming up to you more often and more quickly. See you next month.

Dave Sherman is the owner of Connection Pros, a speaking, training and consulting organization that helps people create connections with potential business contact. His Web site is www.connectionpros.com and he can be reached at 480-860-6100 or e-mail at dave@connectionpros.com.

Home