You’ve attended a great networking event, received lots of cards, had some interesting conversations and felt like you really “connected” with a number of people. You know that you’re going to follow up with them, but what about others following up with you? Why should they? Will they know who you are? For example, you’re a real estate agent… there were probably 10 other real estate agents at the mixer… how do you stand out from that crowd? DO you stand out from that crowd? If people don’t remember you, they most likely won’t refer you, bring their business to you, or be interested in building a relationship with you. This is why “Being Memorable” is so significant and important.
The first
step to being memorable is YOUR knowing you are memorable. It’s YOUR knowing
what sets you apart from the crowd. If you don’t think you’re memorable, why
would anyone else? Other definitions of memorable are: unforgettable,
brilliant, outstanding, excellent, superb, terrific, impressive and
remarkable. Could those words describe you? Of course… aren’t you all those
things and more? However, if YOU don’t think so, it will be hard for others to
see you that way. This is your starting point… knowing who you are and how
special you are, without being arrogant, snobbish or aloof. You have
self-confidence oozing out of every pore, but it’s the type of self-confidence
that draws people in and inspires self-confidence within others also. Now
THAT’S memorable. Arrogant people are memorable too, but not in the way that
draws people in. They turn people off. That is not you.
You want to
honestly, objectively assess yourself, both your strengths and weaknesses,
seeking ways to learn from and turn your weaknesses into strengths and your
strengths into greater power. Remember having some weaknesses doesn’t make you
a failure, it merely makes you human. For now, however, focus on your
strengths. Take at least one hour and a piece of paper and write down your
strengths and what makes you extraordinary. Be honest with yourself. Be
brazen… think of everything wonderful, unique and fabulous about yourself. This
is not the time to be shy. Remember, there are billions of people on the planet
and every single person has their own fingerprints. We are all truly unique.
While not everyone is a Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Sister Theresa, Martin
Luther King, or Pavarotti, everyone can do what we are all ultimately here to do
and that is to be the best “me” that I can be. I CAN be the best Sherial
Bratcher that I can be. The goal and rewards of rejoicing in our own uniqueness
are limitless. This holds true for business as well as social relationships.
As we allow and develop ourselves to be authentic and our best “self,” we give
that space to others as well. Being memorable begins from the inside out.
Now that you’ve got your list, put it up somewhere that you see it every day. No matter what, every morning when you get up, the first thing to do is smile at yourself in the mirror… a big, genuine, good morning, isn’t it great to be me smile. This will start every day on a positive note. Tell yourself that something wonderful is going to happen today and it will. Think it and you will have it. Every morning when I wake up I say to myself, “Thank you for this wonderful day. I am so grateful for all that I have and know that today will bring a special gift. “
Now that you’re
started working on the inside
… it’s time to see what you can outwardly do to be that
distinctive and memorable person you already are. When thinking
about going
to a networking event, business meeting, luncheon meeting, etc., impeccable
grooming is a must. That alone can make you memorable,
along with that positive bubbly smile.
Impeccable grooming, however, does not mean you look like a plastic cut out, it
means you’re clean, smell good, breath is fresh, clothing is pressed and well
fitted. Impeccable grooming means you are a savvy professional who not only
cares about themselves, but cares about others. Someone who doesn’t check if
they smell okay probably isn’t someone you would want to do business or build a
relationship with. Impeccable grooming is a positive and memorable statement
about you in every way. Wear something distinctive, classy, special. Know your
particular style, enhance your good points and wear colors that look good on
you. This helps you stand out from the crowd. You don’t want to be
outrageous, but you don’t want to just blend in with everyone else.
Whether you are at a networking event, talking on the phone, responding to or sending an e-mail, put everything else out of your mind. Be present to the here and now. Remember you are dealing with other intelligent, intuitive, cutting edge, hard working people. They can tell when you’re not fully engaged, listening carefully and responding appropriately. At a networking event, ask thought provoking questions, ask people for their “story,” why they’re there, what they love about what they do, how they got started, etc. Keep eye contact; don’t look around the room while someone is talking to you. Focus on them and them alone. Some basic human needs are to be appreciated, listened to and respected. By giving people your full attention, that makes them feel special… and they will remember you. Be fully engaged and fully aware of the people you interact with. Be genuinely interested in other people… each person is as special as you are.
When you are telling people about yourself and your business, keep it simple. Your name, company name, service or product and where you are located are easy to remember. Telling a short story about your name, your business name or how you got started are also ways to be memorable. People remember stories. Another major point that helps you stand out and that a lot of people neglect, is the look of your business card. Many people think that their business card should have everything in the world on it. NOT! Make your business card clear and easy to read, especially your contact information. People don’t have time and magnifying glasses to see teeny tiny print and go through an overly busy business card. A simple, elegant, creative card that is easy to read will provide people more incentive to read it and potentially use your service and/or refer you. Also, have a stack of inexpensive, but attractive blank cards handy. Sending a handwritten note of thanks, welcome to the neighborhood, thanks for a referral or just that you enjoyed the conversation is a lost art. Especially with so few people nowadays doing that, you are sure to stand out, be remembered and get referrals. By doing this, you’ve indicated to this person that they were important and special enough to take the time out of your busy day to do that. It’s the “little” things that count… isn’t it? It’s the “little” things that put a smile on someone’s face. You can actually make someone’s day with that “little” gesture of kindness and consideration.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that YOU are your business. How you interact with people is representative of your business. You are your best advertisement. Be a true optimist. Think and act positively during every interaction. This doesn’t mean being phony cheerful, it does mean that you are grounded in the gratitude that you woke up to another day, that you are who you are and that you have wonderful talents and gifts to offer others. You also appreciate and value others for being themselves. Every day is another opportunity to be better than the next and for you to be better than you were the day before. Every day is another opportunity to be more memorable, more true to yourself and others and to contribute something valuable to the world. It doesn’t matter whether you are a consultant, a business owner, or provide a service; we are all interconnected and invaluable to each other. With that kind of philosophy, you are unstoppable, valued and will always be memorable.
Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
