Meeting prospective clients is integral to every organization. Growth is essential here in South Carolina and the heat of the summer always brings multiple opportunities to attract new customers. Although many initial contacts begin by phone or even e-mail, the relationship can grow or fail in a one-on-one meeting.
In fact many great ideas to increase success when meeting new clients come from the Dale Carnegie Principles for Enhancing Relationships. John Maxwell uses these principles stating, “Relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership.”
- Don’t criticize, condemn or complain: Always be positive and focused on the other person’s point of view.
- Give honest, sincere appreciation: Thank them for their time. Effort and understanding strengthen commonality.
- Arouse in the other person an eager want: A concise exchange of ideas and mutual benefit always increases cooperation.
- Become genuinely interested in other people: Asking questions create interaction. Getting to know others and their needs and wants ensures opportunity.
- Smile: A smile and eye contact are simply attractive in initial relationships. A friendly and welcoming demeanor is a great conduit for progress.
- Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language: Using and remembering someone’s name will increase acceptance and increase mutual respect.
- Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves: Client acquisition is always supported by information. Be focused, engaged, and sincere.
- Talk in terms of the other person’s interests: Talk with others about their interests creates strong business ties.
- Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely: Let the other person make a contribution in every discussion. Building people up and supporting what they say always ensures a growing bond.
Growing your business and your organization depends entirely on people. Putting them first is at the heart of Dale Carnegie Training of South Carolina.
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