Body Language for Business Success

Body language, what does it mean? It’s the general term used to refer to all communication carried out by parts of your body parts other than your mouth. It is basically a form of non-verbal communication.From time immemorial, body language has been an important part of communication. It consists of more than 50% of the way we communicate with each other, whether we are aware of it or not. Consequently, it’s very important in our day to day endeavour.

In the business world today success is meant only for the fittest. The stiff competition we have in our commercial sector nowadays means that you have to devise new and innovative strategies to keep you afloat and on top of your competitors. One of the surest ways of keeping your shoulder higher above your competitors is by establishing a very good communication bridge linking you and your client. To make this more decisive, you need to employ both verbal and non-verbal modes of communication such as body language to negotiate, appeal,persuade, please and sell your products to your clients. In the business world, getting the right body language when selling is an effective business strategy for it plays an important role in the face to face interaction between you and your clients.

So how can you manipulate your body language to obtain the success you desire? Generally, as a business owner you must know that it is not always what you say that clinches or loses the deal, but how you say it. Yes, this is a very nice point that must always be in your mind. If you voice out one thing, and give a contrasting message with your body, your client will always believe what your body language says over what comes out of your mouth. So, if your words and body language aren’t in sync, your buyers won’t trust you. It's as simple as that.

So how can you send the right message for your business to flourish? First and foremost, you must appear confident and resolute whenever you’re dealing with a customer. If it happened that you appear to be nervous, then it will be very difficult for you to earn the trust of your customers. By the way, how do you expect them to be sure of your product when you appear not to be sure of it yourself? Pausing with held breath before answering your client or raising eyebrows when asked a question is both body language which send a message about your discomfort or uncertainty when discussing with a client. To be candid this can never be appealing to them.

When you start negotiating with customers, employees or associates, you must appear friendly, caring and supportive, so as to ensure you carry the day. Hence you have to stand openly, welcoming them, inquiring of their needs and showing readiness to listen to their suggestions or complaints. Appearing nonchalant will definitely put them off. Whenever you’re making a sale, putting on a friendly smile will definitely be appealing to your customer. Also, regular eye contact that portray caring and interest will definitely earn you their trust and make them comfortable with you. Again, this is very important, the right eye contact with your client especially during negotiation always plays a role in the outcome of a business deal. Staring at your client consistently or avoiding your client gaze is both body languages that can badly affect a business deal.

Always appear sincere and confident about your product during negotiation. Generally, you easily feel comfortable when you are selling a product whose creditability you are absolutely sure of. One common way of expressing openness is by gesturing with open palms, not with your fingers or fist.

Establishing an emotional bond with your client is also necessary for your success in your business dealings. Hence, your body language during a business negotiation should aim at establishing an emotional bond with your client. Reflecting back at your clients, like matching body language by using similar verbal style can help you to create an emotional bond with your valuable clients. Also when you approach your customer lean in towards them, you get closer to them and create a bond. Leaning in lowers the body in a subtle way, showing the respect you have for your customers and it also takes out any perception of dominance coming out of you. However, you’ve to be careful so that it won’t appear as if you’re encroaching into the personal space of your customer.Nevertheless, establishing an emotional bond between you and your client is very essential for your business success because your clients can only dance to your tune if and only when they’ve bonded with you.

2011 Moira G Gallaga©