7 easy ways to stand out (in a good way)

Brandishing busy-ness in an effort to appear important comes off really badly.

And it’s sort of addictive.

I did it myself for years in network marketing, especially when I became a top 100 income earner in the company.

For some reason I figured I’d better start behaving like an important person.

I just didn’t think it through and, at the time, I had no idea how damaging it was to my business.

Last year I saw this with stark clarity when moving out of a rental property.

The landlady decided to sell it instead of re-letting it.

Over a period of days, several real estate agents visited, one at a time, to assess the house.

They were all well presented.

Each of them drove a nice car and gave me a business card.

They also, without exception, exuded busy-ness as though it were some kind of status symbol.

• Each was between 5 and 30 minutes late.
• Each sat in the driveway finishing a call, or took a call when they were talking to me.
• And each of them seemed distracted and restless when I was talking.

All of this combined to radiate disinterest.  

Which is such a big mistake if you work with people.

For example, each asked me where I’d be living next.

But nobody acted on what I was saying.

One sort of did, saying (while half-laughing and walking away from me – was that to seem busy?), “You should give me a call if you’re ever looking for a house!”

No one tried to understand my needs.

So none of them learned whether there would be a match for helping me now, or in future.

Seeing it from the outside it really struck me how easy it is to be miles and miles ahead of the competition.

You simply need to care, be respectful and slow down!

None of these 7 things requires much effort, but the difference they make in business today is astounding:

1. Be on time
2. Silence your phone or leave it in your car.
3. Shake someone’s hand and remember their name.
4. Stand still and look at someone when they speak.
5. Close your mouth and listen! Be interested, not interesting. Pay attention.
6. Think about what you’re hearing – see if you can help (either directly or by referring them to someone who can).
7. Follow up and follow through. Make notes if you need to, set an alarm on your phone for action steps – just do what you said you were going to do.

In today’s marketplace it really is easy to stand out from the crowd.

The relaxed, present person is enjoying the journey so much more than their hustling counterpart.

And as a bonus when you’re in that space, you’re more attractive to your customers too.

What do you think?  Tell me in the comments – is there anything you’d add to that list?

See you on the road,

Helen