At the end of January I went to The Late Breakfast networking meeting, to listen to the wonderful Elizabeth Kuhnke from Kuhnke Communication. She?s an expert in body language and gave a wonderful and very funny presentation on how to create great impact. She shared with us three things that will help to create that impact, which can help you to grow your business.

Here?s what I picked up from that presentation:

Authenticity ? if you?re true to yourself and you share with people who you are and what you?re doing, you will be able to build up better relationships with potential clients. Last year at Appletree we had a really tough year. Our annual turnover dropped for the first time in the 11 years I?ve been running the business, instead of growing. I tell people this not to get sympathy, but because I believe in being truthful and taking responsibility. (The good news is that with some really focused marketing, our monthly turnover is growing and exceeding our targets!)

Composure ? spend your time rushing around trying to achieve twice as much in half the time and you?ll give people a certain impression of you and your business. Stay calm and poised and you?ll create a much stronger impact. A good friend of mine sent me a lovely card a couple of years ago with a swan on the front. She said it reminded her of me ? outwardly very efficient and calm, while paddling furiously below the water!

Likeability ? people really do buy people and they buy from people they like. You?ll never manage to be friends with everyone you meet, but as you don?t want everyone you meet to become your client. If you try hard to be liked by everyone, you?ll just confuse people you meet and give mixed messages. Focus on getting to know your ideal clients and they will work with you because they like you.

For more on body language and creating a great impact in business, visit Elizabeth?s website and subscribe to her great email newsletter.