How to Interact With Colleagues and Clients

Business relationships flourish when interactions are positive.

Positive interaction with colleagues and clients is essential to successful business networking. Establishing patterns of positive interaction with peers creates comrades. This same pattern of positive interaction with colleagues creates relationships, helps build trust and can eventually land the next big deal for the company. Honest, upfront communication paired with enthusiasm and simple etiquette creates feelings of trust and respect among colleagues and clients alike.

Instructions

Create mutual feelings of trust and respect

1. Make eye contact. Looking someone in the eye is a nonverbal form of communication. It allows the other person to see that you are focused on them and what they are saying. Though this may make some feel uncomfortable, it conveys a silent respect for the person talking. It says "I am listening. What you have to say is important to me."

2. Shake hands. The age-old tradition of shaking hands has not lost its effect. Many people make assumptions about another person's personality just by their handshake. According to Beatty's Guide To The Perfect Handshake, "the perfect handshake applies to both men and women. Using the right hand; a complete grip and a firm squeeze (but not too strong); a cool and dry palm; approximately three shakes, with a medium level of vigor, held for no longer than two to three seconds." The more hands you shake, the more confident you will feel in your own handshake.

3. Smile. The American Journal of Psychological Research found that "research supports the positive effect of smiling and other positive emotional displays on

   a sales encounter." A genuine smile not only makes you feel good, but conveys those good feelings to those around you.

4. Be upfront. When others feel that you are willing to be honest and upfront with them before they even ask, they will be more likely to trust you with important information and pivotal decisions in the future.

5. Make the effort. Communication, like relationships, is a two-way street. Don't wait for your peers and clients to come to you. Seek out others and demonstrate a genuine interest. The old adage "it takes a friend to be a friend" is applicable in every aspect of business and personal interactions.

6. Censor conversations. No matter how comfortable a business professional feels with peers and clients, it is never acceptable to use profanity, make sexual comments or discuss inappropriate topics. This type of behavior can create tension and put undue stress on important business relationships.

References

• Discovery: A Formaula For The Perfect Handshake
• American Journal of Psychological Research: The Effects of a Sales Clerk's Smile on Consumer Perceptions and Behaviors