The Power of Positivity: Why Being Positive Is Important for Relationship Building (with Clients)
Clarence Cheong
Author of "More Than 100%" | Insightful & Funny | Wielder of Dad-Jokes | MDRT | CFP | DLI | Senior Group Financial Services Director | Podcaster | International Speaker | Woah what a mouthful... Still reading? ??|
Introduction
When it comes to relationships, most people love hanging out with happy, positive people. After all, who wants to be around someone who constantly complains and is grumpy and negative all the time?
What many people don’t realize, is that being positive isn’t just important for building personal relationships – it’s also important for building professional relationships. In fact, research has shown that being positive can actually lead to better outcomes in negotiations and other business dealings.
In this Newsletter, we’ll explore the Power of Positivity and why it’s so important for relationship building with clients. Let’s also dig in to HOW to be positive, ok?
Being Positive Helps You Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie, one of the world's most famous and successful authors, said it best: "You can make more friends in two months by being interested in them than you can in two years by trying to get them interested in you."
When it comes to building relationships with clients, being positive is essential. It not only puts the other person at ease and makes them more likely to want to help you, but it also sets the tone for future interactions.
It makes us more LIKEABLE!
Positivity Makes YOU More Persuasive
People are more likely to be persuaded by someone who is positive and upbeat. Remember that top-sales-guy/gal at your company? Is he/she a sour-faced person? Most likely not! If you ever had a meet & greet with them, they are usually happy and bursting with energy!
There's a reason why salespeople are often coached to use a positive attitude when trying to close a sale. Not only does it make the salesperson seem more likable and trustworthy, but it also increases the chances that the customer will be persuaded.
The same principle holds true for relationship building conversations. People are more likely to be persuaded by someone who is positive and upbeat. Positivity shows that you're confident in what you're saying and that you believe in the relationship you're building. It also makes the other person feel good, which can lead to them being more responsive to your requests.
Positive Attitudes Land the Jobs
A positive attitude is key when it comes to job interviews and networking events. Potential employers or networking contacts are watching your attitude, and be more likely to want to work with you or offer you a job if you can exhibit positivity.
Being positive is also important in maintaining healthy relationships. When you're positive, it's easier for the other person to open up and share their feelings with you. This connection will help build trust and strong communication between the two of you.
A positive attitude will help you in all aspects of your life, from building relationships to landing that dream job!
Positivity (or NEGATIVITY) is Contagious!
Positivity has a ripple effect that positively impacts not only the individual, but also the group or organization. When team members are positive, they are more productive and creative. In addition, they are less likely to experience stress and are able to better manage conflicts. Avoid or fix downward spirals ASAP!
Which is why it can be important to avoid networking with Chronically Negative people. You can make a choice to cut them out, to avoid getting ill, or keep them in, and get infected. It is a personal choice!
Bottom line, is that positive people are more valuable to their company. Higher chances of promotions, raises and bonuses. They often have better relationships with co-workers and clients. And, ultimately, they are more satisfied with their jobs.
When Is Positivity Important?
In what situation is it NOT? Well, only the very serious, solemn ones, whereby we want to rein in the positive vibes. Other than that? Use it everywhere! It is like the WD-40 (or Duct Tape) for relationships.
Positivity is key in any relationship, but especially when it comes to building relationships with clients. It's important to be positive and upbeat when meeting with clients, as it can help to set the tone for the rest of the meeting or conversation.
Positivity can also help to put clients at ease and show that you're interested in them and their well-being. It can make them feel appreciated and respected, which can go a long way in strengthening the relationship.
Lastly, positivity is a great way to show that you're confident in your work and your ability to help the client. It can help to build trust and pave the way for a successful working relationship.
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How Can I Be More Positive?
It's not always easy to be positive, but it's definitely worth the effort.
4 tips to get started:
First, try to be aware of your thoughts and how they impact your mood. If you tend to think negative, challenge yourself to come up with 3 things you're grateful for every day. See things from the other point of view.
For example, I once had to ask 2 of my advisers to resign. Others would see it as a Failure (Negative), as I lost headcount. But I saw it as a Positive (I weeded out time-sinks!). The situation itself is neutral, it is my view that makes it Positive/Negative!
This can help shift your mindset and make you feel more positive overall.
Second, try to be positive in your conversations with others. This includes clients, co-workers, friends and family members. Watch the words you use in conversations, and avoid those with a negative connotation!
Like when my 5 year old daughter spills water of the table while trying to fill her cup. Do I say
A. You are so clumsy! Why pour the water and make such a mess when you cannot manage it?
OR
B. That’s a good try honey! Do aim the jug a little better next time, I know you can do it!
(Yes, thoughts of A can speed by in the mind… Hold the tongue! Let B settle in, then use that instead, because relationships are best built on Positivity!)
Being positive and upbeat sets the tone for a positive interaction, and can make the other person feel good too.
Third, “If you want to be enthusiastic, act enthusiastic.” - Dale Carnegie. The Mind follows the Body, which is why we are advised to force a smile, and the mind will follow. This takes some practice, mind you… Not everyone can beam in the face of adversity. Like a muscle, the more we practice ACTING ENTHUSIASTIC, the easier it becomes.
I remember the time when I was a retail assist working part time in a Clothing and Apparel shop. I would bounce up to customers, greet them heartily, and offer my help in getting the right sizing or matching the selections they held in their hand. Always had a good response when I was doing that, and time flew by! Those days I chose to not exude energy? Those days slowed to a crawl.
Act enthusiastic, act positive, and we will grow to become more positive!
Finally, focus on the good in yourself and others. Nobody is perfect, and we all have our flaws. But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the good things about ourselves and others. When you focus on the positive, it's easier to stay positive in all aspects of your life.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that maintaining a positive outlook is key when it comes to building strong relationships with clients. When you’re upbeat and positive, clients will feel appreciated and more inclined to return.
On the other hand, if you’re constantly negative or complain about your job, clients will feel uncomfortable and likely won’t want to come back. Remember, negativity breeds negativity – be positive and see how your relationships blossom!
Remember, ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE!
Pro Tip:
If you PRACTICE this skill every day, for 2 weeks: I assure you that you will feel a MARKED IMPROVEMENT in your client relationships and sales ability (and also how you can deal with your bosses!)
Give it a shot: what do you have to lose?
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Inspired??drop me a DM?- always looking for like-minded individuals to connect and exchange ideas with :) Have a great day!
Transformation-Focused Program Manager | Strategy, Growth & Change Leader | Governance, Risk & Compliance Professional | PMP | MSc
2 年Interesting! I like. Read to the end, will get on more interesting topics I noticed a bit later. Thank you
Linux??Unix??System??Programmer
2 年??"The Power of Positivity". Absolutely, The beneficial power of positivity is inversely proportional to the harmful influence of negativity. Feelings vary among people but all things considered, the same amount of plus ? added to the same amount of minus ? simply equals Zero. If you're not too good at measuring up psychological feelings by way of mathematical methods ?????, just grab your chopsticks ?? at lunch and do the plus sign ? :-)
I facilitate behavioral change to help clients explore their full potentials || Guidance Counselor || Mental Health Advocate || Therapist || Content Writer
2 年Wowww! Definitely worth the read! Thank you Clarence???? indeed our lives is as good as our mindset
Customer Service specialist | Web3 | Cryptocurrency | Data Visualisation | Business Intelligence | Power BI | Excel | SQL | digital Marketing | Mandarin Speaker
2 年??positivity can bring good luck as well
Mr. Positive Energy ?? - 8X International Bestselling Author| Helping Entrepreneurs Ignite their Career and Business Embracing Positivity! ?? | Love, Kindness, and Compassion for Global Impact??
2 年#POSITIVEENERGY ???????? Did you study me before writing this article??????? You have literally wrote the story of my life???? For every word, for every sentence you did justice to it. I couldn't have said it enough. This was worth reading and i encourage everyone to read too. Thank you so much Clarence Cheong B.Eng (Chem Eng)