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Archive for January, 2012

Perception is 9/10′s of the law…

Posted on January 30th, 2012 by Deon Newbronner

People’s perception of us is influenced by what and how we say and do things; how we respond.

Yes there are other factors which impact the degree to which you are able to influence the perception of others. Most of these you have no or little control over. Factors such as their up bringing, education, life experiences etc. However, I believe there are things that we can do to influence others’ perception of us.

Such things as the way I deliver my messages:

  • The language I choose.
  • The emotion I bring to bear (my tone of voice etc).
  • My body language.
  • The timing of the message.
  • My intention behind the message.

All these elements fuel others’ perception of me. All these elements I am able to control.

What I am talking about is nothing new. Tom Marshall (2002) describes the “what” and “how” of engagement, of leadership as the dimensions of intelligence that underpin leadership. And let’s face it, at its core leadership is about engagement. The relationships. And relationships are affected by people’s perception of one another. The dimensions Marshall refers are the:

  • Cognitive – the ability to reason i.e. put forward an argument.  In other words the language you choose.
  • Behavioural – recognising the impact of your body language e.g. tone of voice etc.
  • Emotional – balancing thought and deed and using appropriate emotion to convey the message. As the actor conveys the emotion on stage so we believe his/her message.
  • Spiritual – having a sense of reason or intent, and being genuine/truthful with the intent.

What does this all mean for me?

Some might say we have the power to control the “what” and the “how” of our message i.e. how we respond. That we are the masters of our own destiny. If indeed this is true (and I do believe it is) then we are able to influence others’ perception of us.  Manage how we respond to others through word and deed. Thereby influencing their perception of us.

Have you ever experienced a situation were someone has had a particular opinion of you? And by virtue of what you say and do with them (i.e. your responses) you influence their opinion of you?

Think about the parent/child relationship. Here opinions are influenced daily by what is said and done. Perceptions are moved.

What is the relevance then, for business?

I suggest in business as in life we ought to become more conscious of our ability to influence the perception of others. Think about that last successful business pitch.  You made them buy from you.

By developing and improving your awareness of the impact of what you say and do, you will be better equipped to influence others’ perception of you. How? By:

  • Observing and reflecting on what you say and do in situations.  Watching how you respond to people, situations and yourself.
  • Gathering feedback and feed forward from those close to you or indeed clients.
  • Practicing your message delivery.
  • Listening to how others respond and considering the appropriateness for similar circumstances in which you find yourself.

Others’ perception of us is driven by ourselves.  We have the power to change it…

For more information contact Deon on 01928 503 777 or email: deon@pitchperfect.uk.com

 

Not everyone gets a great venue like ours for their BNI meetings – so, here is an alternative suggestion – Aurelia restaurants

Posted on January 6th, 2012 by Keren Lerner

I recently got a call from a new venue in Mayfair looking to help local BNI groups host their breakfast meetings. We are quite happy in Home House, but I thought I should share this for other BNI members – in the spirit of Givers Gain!

As a seasoned BNI member, I know how hard it is to find a cooperative venue.

A good BNI breakfast venue need to tick the following boxes:

  • Staff who are willing to wake up early and be bright and helpful at that time of the morning
  • The venue needs to work out a cost per member is reasonable and compatible to other BNI groups.
  • Venues need a clear choice of breakfasts with staff knowing what each breakfast is. At BNI Mayfair we have coloured cards so the waiters know who gets what It’s genius!

Aurelia restaurant has recently opened on Cork Street in Mayfair and is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

They are actively promoting the restaurant as a breakfast destination for business breakfasts and have the ability to cater for larger groups, ideal for BNI etc.

We are promoting a set price breakfast for 6 or more people from £12 per head including a Full English or Spanish with unlimited teas/coffee’s and juices. Also throughout the month of January they’re offering a 15% discount off breakfast (for groups less than 6).

If you know anyone who is interested, feel free to promote this via your network – If anyone is interested in holding regular group breakfasts Fiona (details below) would be delighted to meet and discuss this with you over breakfast.

For more information contact Fiona Hering on +44 (0) 7801 653085 or fiona@methodcreative.co.uk

New Year: A New “Presenting” You…

Posted on January 5th, 2012 by Deon Newbronner

A quick-check guide to raise your profile through meaningful presentation, and thus increasing business revenue.

Another festive season has drawn to a close. The end of the year has come and gone. It’s a new year, new begining; a new “presenting” you. Indeed we are all facing a new year which promises to be huge, well for the UK at least. We have The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics in the summer. Oh, and of course the exciting arrival of my little son in May. But we also have to draw in the business, in a real tough market place.

Have you set yourself New Year’s resolutions, goals or have you added to your bucket list?

I hope you have been kind to yourself, regardless of the approach you take to your 2012 business aspirations.  We all know that goal-setting is only effective if the goals are realistic and timely. Don’t set yourself up to fail.

Is this the year you truly embrace presenting, and enjoy making your business grow?

I have listed a few thoughts on how you and your business could grow, if you spend some time developing your presentation skills:

  • Put yourself forward as a speaker – at your networking group, at your industry conference or anywhere else you could raise your profile.
  • Spend some time watching others present – ask: what makes them good, bad, indifferent?  Who connects with you, and how do they do it?  Is it their voice, the content, their presence or something else?
  • Where would your public speaking possibly enhance your business/professional profile?  You are an expert in your field; set yourself a challenge of getting a speaking slot at the best place for you, and your business to be seen.
  • Enhance your skills as a presenter – work with a specialist. I would naturally suggest us. We’ve have been delivering presentation skills coaching for years. Working with a specialist will give you the opportunity to practice the skills in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.  I believe it’s a huge expectation of self to be brilliant first time round.  I suggest invest the time and money in you, and your business will reap the rewards in the long-term.
  • Finally , chat a lot.  Yip, speak out loud every chance you get – if you have children read to them more. Play with your voice and notice how much it can impact the message you are delivering.

Food for thought? Let me know how you get on.