Diamond Author
Having the right kind of impact and influence, or making the right impression are clearly of vital importance in today's competitive environment and preparation and planning are key. But suppose you don't even know them? What if you're going in cold to make that pitch or present your ideas?
So what do you need to really focus on to have more personal impact and influence? What is it that you have to concentrate on to make the right impression? The answer is not what most people think it is. It isn't about you. It's about them.
Forget PowerPoint special effects, the elevator pitch and your killer slogan and think about the person in front of you. Don't switch on the projector yet, use every second you can to be in receiving mode and learn about them.
Have these things in your mind as you think what would have impact and influence on their thinking. The answer to each question guides you in how to build your personal impact and influence.
1. Do they talk quickly and seem to give attention to what's going on around them or are they more inwardly focussed, thoughtful and contemplative? Match their speed and note whether they like lots of interaction or a more constrained and thoughtful approach.
2. Do they seem to want to get things absolutely right and focus on the detailed facts or prefer general impressions and implications rather than detailed descriptions? In the former you'll need to reinforce what you say with detail and with the latter speak less and choose your words carefully.
3. When they are talking about decisions made or choices to consider do they seem logical and rational or more interested in how people feel? If you want them to buy you and your idea then your proposal will need to fit their decision making criteria.
4. Do they have schedules and stick to them, (i.e. were they on time for this appointment?) or do they seem to let things evolve and emerge and go with the flow so everything's running late and they're in catch up mode? If they're structured you're going to need to stick exactly to the time slot you were given. If they are more flexible in outlook don't expect a firm end time and be prepared to be sidetracked if there are other things that come up in the conversation.
Practise listening to what people say and how they say it. From the information you decode you can fine tune your planned impact and influence strategy and take a new direction which will resonate better with them and create the right first impression. Someone who says "We want to be sure this is the right thing for our people" is in a very different mode of thinking to someone who says "The budget and tie constraints mean we need to get it right first time"
Tune in to the words and pictures you get from them and you'll be in a much stronger position to impress, inform and influence.
The best way to prepare for influence by design (rather than by accident) is to complete the ClearWorth Personal Impact and Influence Questionnaire (the PIIQ) and receive a fully customised 10 page report on your strengths and weaknesses and unique insights into how to work with the other person.
About this Author
You could influence by design not by accident. The PIIQ is your virtual online coach, providing insightful advice, personalised tips on what to do and what to avoid and unique insights into both your own and the other person's preferences and their effect on the conversation or meeting. If it's that important - why leave it to chance? http://bit.ly/InfluencebyDesign
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clive_Hook
