Being a team player encompasses everything you do. Unfortunately many people work very hard at trying to build business, but when in person, they wind up destroying what they built. They are unaware that working together so much more may be achieved.
All sound relationships are built on team effort whether 1:1 or in large groups. This includes how we promote and support one another, and how we balance listening and talking. Even when you are trying to sell, the best first steps are to listen first, and then question what you heard. This ensures you understand the exact meaning of the other person plus provides insight to their thinking. These steps enable you to speak to their interests and increase your likelihood of gaining increased interest in what you have to offer.
The perfect example of how some people hurt their effort was exhibited in a recent meeting. Our speaker was illustrating how our conscious and subconscious minds are sometimes in conflict but when we resolve to keep them in balance, we do better. She stopped and asked for volunteers to say what they were thinking as she uttered her last sentence. One of the attendees, “Mary”, said, “I was thinking about a new dress I saw and want to buy.” What?!
Mary was so into her own world, she showed no forethought that we were there to listen to the speaker. Mary made it clear her priorities differed and held more importance. After the speaker concluded, we realized Mary had come to promote her new and expensive program. She assumed this would be a ready audience that would buy seats. However, given Mary’s display of disregard for the speaker, there wasn’t as much interest in her new project as she had presumed.
The better business model is about balance, respect, and building relationships wherever you go. Demonstrating you are a team player will draw positive attention to you and your business. Reciprocity is a big piece of business, social grace, and building community. From different perspectives, reciprocity may be seen as business development, marketing, branding and pre-negotiation strategy.
Social media adheres to these rules too. When you see people tweeting messages you like and who Retweet you, take the time to see who they are and consider following them in return. If you like their tweets, retweet them and consider including their name in a Follow Friday list. When individuals post favorable comments on your pages, the right thing to do is thank them and then visit their page to post a nice note there.
A quiet leadership style is to observe everything in your presence contributing to the moment in time. Using all of your senses determine whether the person standing in front of you, the venue itself, or the possible collaboration mentioned are a good match for you personally and professionally. Remaining true to your principles and rules for business magnifies your personal brand.
An excellent practice is to take quiet time to review your recent encounters. Did they live up to expectations, and were they a good match for what you are trying to accomplish? Any hesitation will tell you the answer is “no”. When you feel a positive connection with all of your senses, then you have found the perfect teammate and a Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press. She provides team sales training, private coaching and highly acclaimed inspirational keynotes for conferences. Elinor is available upon request for consultation.
