We’ve all met people whom we thought were “so lucky”.  We humans tend to think luck is behind our lives’ misfortunes and successes; however, deep inside, we know that luck has nothing to do with what happens in our existence, don’t we?  What we so despairingly call luck is just the set of actions and beliefs of the “lucky” people, and how they apply them to business and their lives.

Individuals who are “lucky” in business and life, happen to share eight distinctive characteristics:

1.    They talk to everyone
Strangers are intimidating to most of us, however, many great experiences can result from talking to people we don’t know.  You never know… you might get ‘lucky’!

2.    They love small talk
Many people disregard small talk because they see it as unproductive. What they forget is that small talk can lead to the big talk when they least expect it. 

3.    They ‘drop’ names
Although some may think that individuals that drop names are showoffs, one may find common ground and open doors when discovering you both know the same people.  There is indeed a way of dropping names with class.

4.    They listen and snoop
Lucky people are excellent listeners, observers, and eavesdroppers.  Being attentive can get you lots of information and is an inexpensive way of researching the market.

5.    They offer and ask for help
No one can do it alone; everyone needs help once in a while.  Lucky individuals let others know what they need and also offer to help out of good will.

6.    They wander off their path
The saying goes: “Not all who wander are lost”… how true!  When the opportunity arises, lucky people seize it, no matter where it leads; lawyers have become entrepreneurs, doctors have become writers, accountants have become singers, and teachers have become volunteers. 

7.    They leave with grace
These individuals know when to leave, while they are still at their best and without creating enemies.  They know how the win/win scenario works, and recognize what’s best for all.

8.    They say yes, even if they want to say no
You never know where opportunities lie.  By saying no to something that may get in the way of your busy schedule, you may be also saying no to the chance of a lifetime.

That’s the luck in it all.  Lucky people are only lucky because they know what they want and they go for it with all their heart. They don’t let others or their circumstances get in the way. They believe in themselves and know someone out there will too, so they set out to meet people and to find that lucky person that is waiting to change their lives.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

When entering a room filled with people, you have about ten to twenty seconds to make a good impression.  When you meet people, you have five minutes to establish a positive relationship. Conclusions aren’t drawn solely from what a person says. 90% of opinions are formed based on non-verbal communication alone – your body language.  The impact of non-verbal cues can either help or hurt you in the following situations:

•    Job interviews
•    Giving business presentations
•    Supervising teams/employees
•    Leading meetings
•    Negotiating with key decision makers

Even the most confident person can send mixed messages with their body language.  These common body language tips will help you stay focused, and give a positive impression when meeting new people.

•    Eye contact – Eye contact is the most important non-verbal cue. If you look at your feet when talking to a person it shows you lack confidence and that you aren’t interested in what that person has to say. Don’t stare at a person for hours, but look directly into their eyes when shaking a person’s hand or answering a question. It’s important to maintain good eye contact, especially when meeting a new person.

•    Posture – Position your head and body squarely in line with the other person.  By facing towards a person, you show genuine interest in what they have to say.  Don’t stand too close or to far away when you talk to another person. Be respectful of personal space. Remember to stand and sit up straight when speaking – don’t slouch.

•    Don’t cross your arms or legs – This is the biggest mistake when it comes to negative body language. You come across as defensive or guarded when crossing your arms or legs. Keep your body open when communicating with others.

•    Nod your head once in awhile– When a person is speaking directly to you, nod once in awhile to send the message that you are listening. Don’t over do it and bob your head every few seconds.

•    Slow down your actions – Whether you are walking or talking, slow down your actions. It gives others the impression of ease and confidence (especially when addressing a crowd).

•    Don’t touch your face or wring your hands – These are nervous habits that many people do unconsciously. Practice in front of a mirror before giving a presentation to make sure you don’t engage in these nervous habits. These actions are distracting to an audience and make you appear nervous.

•    Don’t mirror other people’s body language – Sometimes when you connect with a person you unconsciously mirror their body language. If they lean forward when talking to you, you may lean forward as well. Don’t mirror the other person’s actions – it looks awkward and strained.

•    Keep a positive attitude and remain confident – If you maintain a positive attitude, your body language will reflect your confidence. If you look at the ground or look away at people, it gives others the impression that you don’t care or are afraid to talk to them.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).