Beware of Psychic Vampires

I am often asked how I stay happy and motivated all time. The answer has two parts to it; positivity and self-talk.

Many years ago I had a colleague who was forever complaining about everything and everyone in her life. Each day when she arrived at office, it would start, "you wouldn't believe this...can you imagine he did that...this will never work, I'm so tired..." and so on.

This would go on all day and it would drive everyone in office nuts!

She was what I like to refer to as a "Psychic Vampire", someone who tries to steal away your great thoughts and energy. Her negative energy would wear you down if you allowed it to penetrate you. The negative ideas that she came up with on a constant basis really affected some of employees.

She was so negative lights would come on when she left a room!

Do you know anyone like that in your life? Do you know someone who constantly tries to suck life force out of you or those around you?

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY

Yet instead of a folded carton with colorful graphics, you are packaging for your service business. Intangible points of contact, including your clothes, your briefcase, maybe even your breath, all burn a lasting image in your buyer’s mind.

Here are some of more common packaging elements all service marketers should pay attention to:

Your clothes All your technical expertise won’t mean diddly if you wear a tie dye t-shirt and striped bell bottoms to your first client meeting. “Always dress better than you need to,” says Sue Morem, author of How to Gain Professional Edge; Achieve Personal and Professional Image You Want. “Even when dealing with a casual company, remember you are not a part of that company; you’re an outsider.” If you’re not sure what to wear, find a personal shopping consultant.

Briefcase I’ve seen people use briefcases that looked like they carried first batch of Pony Express mail. Resist temptation to use that briefcase Uncle Joe bought you at Wal-Mart and instead invest good money in one at a reputable luggage store. Briefcases are one of few personal effects almost every business person carries into a meeting and this simple item speaks volumes about your image.

Your notebook When you pull out some paper to take notes, do you pull out a sturdy, professional looking notebook or just a pad of paper? This item, which sits on table throughout meeting, may go unnoticed by many of your buyers. But then again, it may not.

Etiquette Saying please and thank you. A firm handshake. Looking someone in eye when talking to them. “Etiquette is equivalent of ribbon and bow on a package,” says Morem. “Good etiquette lets others know you are in control and finishes off your image.” For a good primer on professional etiquette, consult her book.

Proposal covers Up until five years ago, I routinely faxed my proposals to prospects. Then, one of these prospects said to me “Jay, I have two proposals here. One is handsomely bound and other is faxed. Which do you think I should go with?” Point taken. When final packaging your proposals, estimates or RFP’s, use highest quality binding system you can afford.