Establishing and cultivating relationships for mutual benefit is the mission of LeTip. Within chapter confines, members have the luxury of time to establish trust and loyalty to each other.
This is not the case when you attend Trade Expos, Chamber functions and Business Card Exchanges. Although these networking events provide member recruitment and Tipping opportunities, time limitations mean you have to work quickly to build rapport with strangers.
You may think you have a few minutes to warm up a prospect. In reality, by the time you have pulled out a business card from your pocket, that stranger has unconsciously decided whether or not you are likeable, and if you have anything of value to interest him. We all have this instant judgement ability. It’s called instinct.
So, when meeting someone new, how do you make a good impression during these first few seconds?
It’s really quite simple.
1. Rev up your inner engine. If you have had a terrible day, forget it. Think of something wonderful before you enter the room. Put your head into high gear, and take the happiness route. Remember, being happy is a choice.
2. Smile. Smiling does much more than show your pearly whites. It sends a clear message, “I am approachable, I am friendly, I am fun.” But it has to be genuine. Make your smile come from your heart.
3. Make eye contact. You know that winning smile you’re wearing? Well, it brings an inner light to your eyes. And when you shine those high beams onto a stranger, and you do it with genuine interest, you raise your trustability factor.
Follow these three rules and you’ll increase your chances of making more positive and productive business connections right from the start.
Inside LeTip 
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