Give The Gift Of A Genuine Smile While Networking

At the next networking event you attend, I’d like to challenge you to give a gift to as many people as you possibly can while in attendance. It doesn’t have to be wrapped in fancy paper or even have a pretty bow. All you need is to offer each person you meet the gift of your “genuine” smile.

Many studies have been written regarding our smiles, but how powerful will it be when you consider your smile as a small gift to everyone you come into contact with at your next networking event. And, more importantly, they will realize it was a gift as well.

We’ve all been in situations where we were looking at someone while attending a meeting, or even walking down the street. When they made eye contact with us, we would immediately look away, right?  We didn’t want them knowing we were looking at them. Why not?

Next time you make eye contact with someone, even if you don’t know them, offer them the gift of a genuine smile and see what their reaction is. I’m willing to bet, they will return the gift! If the situation is right, that small gesture usually creates an opportunity for you to introduce yourself. After all, isn’t that why you are attending networking events…..to meet people you don’t already know?

 I’d like to offer you a few tips to ensure that you are sending the “right” message, however.  The smile is one of the easiest forms of body language to interpret. So, be fully aware that your smile MUST be genuine.

Actually, think about some of the smiles that you have received lately. When someone flashes a quick smile, the message they are sending is that they are acknowledging you, but they are too busy to offer a genuine smile because that may lead into a conversation. So, if someone flashes you the quick smile…..smile back and keep moving. They probably aren’t open to having a conversation at the moment.

Then, there is a more genuine smile that takes a second or two to be communicated. Watch the eyes…..first they will raise their eyebrows. After they begin the smile with their eyes, their lips will follow the eyebrows and turn upward as well. A genuine smile is an invitation to say “hello.”  Now, you can smile back and offer a handshake. 

The first step in communication is in the eyes. The handshake is the first step to building a relationship.