PRIYsm Skills

Entrepreneur

Art of creating a first impression, Negotiation skills, Selling skills, Customer service and Personal Branding are programmes that would be very useful for Entrepreneurs. Since time is often considered money, then business owners find they can never truly clock out. Wherever they go and whomever they meet, entrepreneurs are walking billboards for their companies.

And in a tough economy with limited budgets, person-to-person marketing is more important than ever. The challenge is to be communicating the right message. To get people to notice you without offending, boring or confusing them.

We equip entrepreneurs to create their "verbal business card"--a quick, 30-word summary of who you are and what you can do, focusing on benefits for the other party.

Conversation

Conversational skills are the key to a successful first meeting, says Rosalie Maggio, bestselling author of How to Say It and The Art of Talking to Anyone. "Prepare in advance, then just try to forget yourself," she says. "Being too self-conscious is the quickest way to shoot yourself in the foot. Remember that it's about the other person--that's the best possible way to make a positive first impression." From formal pitches to impromptu meetings at a trade show, no two conversations will ever be the same. But Maggio says one element is critical no matter what the setting: the ability to show appreciation.

"In every conversation, include at least one appreciative remark," she says. Praise the other person's business acumen, charity work, or even her taste in shoes. As long as the appreciation is brief, sincere, and specific, the feeling will be remembered long after the words are forgotten

Body language

People form an impression about you within seconds of seeing you—even before you have uttered any words. That is why it is very important to project the correct Body language; and alternately to be able to decipher other's Body language to use it to your advantage.

Lillian Bjorseth, a communications consultant and author of Breakthrough Networking, explains why one should always be conscious of their aura. She says- "The aura is the area around you that you create by what you wear, how you act, how you look," she says. "It all goes together to make one impression. You could wear a very expensive suit, but if you stand slumped over with your head down, you won't give a confident aura." Though every person's aura is complex and unique, by focusing on a few simple, non-verbal cues one can manage to appear confident and in control. These include various gestures, postures, facial expressions and paralinguistics. Beyond body language and conversational skills, the actual tone of your voice is an important part of the impression you create. In face-to-face conversation, the other person first sees you, then hears the tone of your voice, and only then listens to your words. It can create a negative impression very easily if you're not in control of the way you speak.

Prospects who speak in monotone are perceived as uninspiring, while those who speak too quietly will come across as uncertain. But the most common problem, is speed-talking, which dilutes the message and makes the speaker sound anxious.

Body language, conversation and voice are three of the most important aspects of a first impression. While many people think they lack skill in these areas, the good news is that most anyone can practice each of them and master their first impression.

TIPS on Body Language

First, don't slip into a room "all smiles." Instead, "claim your space" in the room by planting your feet six inches to eight inches apart, one slightly ahead of the other--a stance that will make you feel grounded and confident.

After you've established eye contact, a smile will create an upbeat, positive environment. Maintain eye contact 85 percent of the time during a conversation, she recommends. Doing so will make you seem trustworthy and it will demonstrate that you're interested in what the other person has to say.

To help shift focus to the other person, a bit of small talk is appropriate in almost every setting.

Our Services

• Corporate Training
• Soft Skills Training
• Business & General Etiquette
• Effective Communication
• Entrepreneur