When we are kids we tend to have a vibrant appreciation of life. Sometime between being a kid and being an adult that sense of wonderment gets stifled for most people. That’s unfortunate, since adults are just kids with long, hairy legs.
What does this have to do with networking or business? A lot, actually. All things being equal, people do business with and refer business to people they know, like and trust. One of the key words in that statement is “like.” People like people who take a sincere interest in them. People like people who are happy. People like people who bring joy to other people. People like people who are likeable. Notice that’s “like-able”.
When we’re enthusiastic, others tend to become enthusiastic also. Enthusiasm actually means, “God within”. But we’ll leave that for another post. Act enthusiastic, be enthusiastic. I’m not talking about bouncing off the walls like some kind of nut. I’m suggesting that when you’re dealing with people whether at a networking event, in a business meeting or talking to the person behind the counter at 7-11, kick it up a notch. Like Emeril says, “Bam!”
We’ve all met the walking dead. The folks who look like they’ve been sucking on a lemon all day. What kind of appreciation or interest do you think they’re attracting? They’re actually attracting more of the same to themselves and they wonder why life is dull. They’re getting what they project. Don’t do that. Project enthusiasm for life and people and life and people will project enthusiasm for you.
Being professional and having an enthusiastic appreciation for life are not mutually exclusive. They go together hand in hand. We just forget that a lot of the time. Maintain the sense of wonderment and appreciation of life and people and your business and personal life will experience huge shifts toward success. Give it a try. What do you have to lose?