Become Magnetic

One dictionary defines magnetic as “exerting a strong attractive power or charm”. How much better would your life be if you could attract the right people (and the right business) towards you? The key to a magnetic personality is to be approachable.

Approachability is a two-way process. It’s both you stepping towards someone, whilst inviting them to step towards you. Here are eight tips to maximise your approachability.

• Be ready to engage. When you arrive at a meeting or event where you expect conversations, have some topics, questions and stories already prepared. Don’t default to talking about the weather!
• Focus on a common point of interest. Your duty, as you meet new people, is to discover some common interest. This will help establish the bond between you and make the other party more comfortable.
• Give flavoured answers. When asked how things are going, don’t just answer, “Fine.” Instead inject some energy with a flavoured response like “Amazing!” “I’m working flat out!” or “Everything is beautiful!” The other party will instantly change their demeanour, smile and want to know more. Why? Because nobody expects these kinds of answers. And by opening yourself up you make it easier for them to engage with you.
• Don’t cross your arms at networking events. Even if it’s cold, you’re bored or you are tired and don’t want to be there, never cross your arms. It sends a strong non-verbal signal that says, “Stay away.” Would you approach such a person? Probably not. So resist the urge to cross your arms, or hold onto a drink.
• Give options for communication. People like to communicate in different ways. So give them lots of options. There’s nothing more annoying for a “phone person” to discover that they have to use e-mail. Publicise your contact details on your business cards, web site, e-mail signature and marketing materials.
• Always have business cards. You have probably heard (or told) a story about a serendipitous encounter that turned into business because the teller had a business card on them that day. There is a time and place for networking—any time and any place! Always be prepared.
• Conquer your fear. Fear, perhaps of looking foolish, is the number one reason people don’t start a conversation. But it gets easier with practice. Start more conversations and the easier it will get. Be the first to introduce yourself, or just say, “Hello.”
• Wear your name badge. Ignore the excuses; your name badge is a tool that works. Your name is the first thing someone will forget, and people are less likely to approach you if they don’t know (or have forgotten) your name. Second, it is free advertising. Third, name badges encourage people to be friendly and approachable.

Action this week! Identify three people who you know who are magnetic. Plan to spend time with them over the next few months. Go with them to a networking event and observe their interactions. Talk to them to gain insight into how they do it and uncover some of their special tips or techniques.

See also:

• The tips above come mostly from The Power of Approachability by Scott Ginsburg, who has worn a name badge every day since 2000.

This article is similar to an educational talk I gave at a BNI Premier networking breakfast. It is based on material in The 29% Solution by Ivan Misner.