Have you ever been at an event where someone has walked into the room and you were immediately drawn to them?  Or perhaps you’ve spoken to someone and you instantly felt acknowledged and appreciated?   These people radiate a powerful presence and image that acts like a magnet.  People just want to be in their space.  And do business with them.  Have you ever wanted to BE that person?

Here are ten tips for you to become that Person:

1.      Be Yourself – If you try to be anyone else, people will sense it and question whether you can be trusted.  If your head is constantly trying to keep track of what to do, what not to do, and how to do it you will be unable to really focus on the individuals who want and need your services.  By being yourself, you create a foundation on which all of the other tips are built on.

2.      Good Posture – Stand tall, chest out, shoulders back, head up, and breathe deep.  Sound like your mother?  She was right.   When we are fully present in our bodies we radiate self-confidence that is contagious.  You’ll notice others stand taller when they’re around you.  When you’re on the phone, sit up straight…they’ll hear your presence!

3.      Visual Image – It takes no more than 30 seconds to make a great first impression and people determine quite a bit about you by what you wear.  Put your best visual foot forward by wearing clothes that are flattering, appropriate, comfortable, and fabulous.  People make quick decisions about who we are, what we do, and how well we do it, based on our appearance…so what do you want to communicate?  If you’re uncertain about what you’re projecting to others, hire an image consultant to work with you on creating a style and image that makes you feel 100% fabulous and 100% you. 

4.      Introduce Yourself First – In professional functions, doesn’t it make you feel good when someone approaches you and introduces themselves to you?    I’m not talking about the annoying schmoozing ‘hiwhat’syournameyouwannadobusiness’ kind of introduction, but the genuine ‘I thought I’d introduce myself’ approach. So make someone’s day and introduce yourself to them first. Make them feel good.  Ask them about their business and then LISTEN.

5.      Listening – Listen to people and you’ll discover the keys to the kingdom of Successful Business.  Through active listening you’ll discover and be able to deliver to customers what they want and need. You’ll have more business than you can handle!  Want to know whether or not you’re a good listener?  Ask people who will be honest with you…and listen to their answer.

6.      Language – Your professional image is either enhanced or destroyed by the way you verbally communicate.  In order to speak your business in a powerful way, you must practice sounding confident, articulate, and enthusiastic.  Write down different ways you would introduce yourself to someone, either in person or on the phone.   Ask people you respect for feedback. Do they get who you are and what you provide?  Are they interested in furthering their conversation with you?  Is your voice or dialect distracting?  Do you use ‘ah’ ‘um’ often?  Call your voice mail or answering machine and practice your introduction….would you call you back?

7.      Commitment – Are you committed to helping others get what they want?  Are you committed to exceeding your clients’ expectations? Are you committed to yourself to be the best you can be in your business and your life?  People sense commitment.  They also sense uncertainty, phoniness, desperation, insincerity, and trouble.  All the work you do to make your external image shiny and fabulous will be for nothing if you don’t back it up with commitment.

8.      Show up – You can have the best product or service in the world but if no one knows who you are or what you have to offer, then it doesn’t matter.  Get out there and let the world know how to find you!  Showing up involves being present physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  It means that wherever you go, you are fully in the present and ready to be with others.  If you’re nervous about a meeting or an appointment, then start at the top of this list and work your way down.  When you show up fully present in the moment, people can’t help but be attracted to you.

9.      Eye contact – Look people in the eye and smile.  This is also a part of showing up and being fully present. Whether you’re speaking or listening, connect with others by looking at them.  Try to really see them and they will respond to you, and trust you.

10.   Daily Practice – Have you ever heard of the expression fake it ‘til you make it’?  If your mind starts up with negative talk or excuses for not doing these things, then try this: 

Mind:   This is stupid.  People will be annoyed if I look at them.  You’re not wearing THAT are you?  This is ridiculous.  Who are YOU to think you’re the best?

You:  Thanks for sharing.  (And then do it anyway)

You:  I AM good at what I do.  I AM worth it.  I AM the best.   I AM here to serve.  I AM fabulous.  I AM honest and trustworthy.  I AM committed.   I AM fully present here and now.

Eventually, your mind will change its mind and you will truly become the powerful presence that attracts the people and clients you desire.

Jennifer Strait, M.A., is a Professional Image Coach.   She works with people on how to 'show up', speak their business, and get business with confidence.  Click here to learn more about Jennifer or to set up a complimentary consultation.