Having a good laugh before a business meeting can be the key to success, according to a West Midlands business leader.
Pete Higgs said during the coronavirus crisis many business owners were feeling anxious and uncertain about the future and it was more important than ever to stay positive.
“One of the simplest ways to do this is to smile or have a genuine hearty belly laugh before you join your networking meeting,” he said.
“This releases the right chemicals in the brain to relax you and feel positive. It starts with a positive attitude and a smile to create the right impression.
“Too many people take their nerves with them and along with this their negative concerns.”
Pete, who is executive director of Business Network International for Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country, added: “We all know there is not much to laugh about at the moment, but we have to keep that positivity in all aspects of our life, especially in business. Everyone is feeling anxious about what 2021 will hold, but we have to focus on the good things.”
Pete said it was also important for business owners to stay in touch with each other – even virtually – and support each other during difficult times.
He said: “A vital step is making sure you follow up and maintain relationships forged through networking.
“This may previously have been through another event or meeting, but now this means developing connections on social media or arranging a call or video meeting.
“Focusing on how you can help each other and putting that into action is a great start. True networking has always been about building relationships. An emotional connection remains key.
“Meeting over a video call is an opportunity to connect people, but the real goal is in how you connect and these skills have not changed at all.”
Hundreds of members of BNI have been meeting via Zoom each week and providing support for each other.
There are now around 30 BNI groups in the Black Country and Birmingham and Coventry. BNI is a global organisation founded in America in 1985. Each group allows one person from a given profession to help members build profitable relationships and avoid conflict.
To find out about what professions are still to be represented and where in the West Midlands BNI groups are held, contact award-winning BNI Area Director Consultant Dawn Adlam on 07880 725564.
