Executive coach and author Mark Jeffries delivers a compelling and informative message in his latest book, The Art of Business Seduction (Amazon.com; $16.52).
Jeffries pitches a personal program to develop behavioral changes over 30 consecutive days, and ensure they become a daily part of your business routine. Additionally, he goes on to state that one's power to attract, entice, and win over others can be the difference between success and failure in this current business environment.
Quote: "They say that a healthy diet -- one that keeps the weight off -- is a lifelong commitment, a revolution in the way that you select and eat food. Business seduction is the same. You cannot seduce for a month and then return to your old ways and hope for the success to continue."
"Every interaction--sharing information, exchanging ideas, guiding opinions, and influencing direction--is an opportunity to be seductive,” he states. "Seduction is consciously putting the needs of your audience first by understanding what they want and giving it to them," he adds.
So, how do you do allure your business target?
You have to be STRATEGIC...execute the "L-WAR".
L-WAR (Listen—Watch, Anticipate and React) are the tactics behind all business seduction activities. Jeffries suggests, “[It] enables you to be persuasive in a way that is not offensive or imposing.” Outlined below is his four-step method:
- Listen: “It’s not about what you have to say; rather, it's about using what the other person has to say in order to get what you want,” he writes. He suggests listening for meaning and paying attention to tone, pace, speech pattern, and choice of words.
- Watch: “When it comes to your audience, their actions speak louder than their words.” Watch body language, such as eye contact, posture and “nods per minute” for helpful insights.
- Anticipate: “Being able to foresee a problem or challenge before it presents itself is the sign of a sharp thinker.” Anticipate needs and objections by conducting due diligence and putting yourself in your audience's shoes to see the interaction through their eyes.
- React: "This is the culmination of the three previous steps and proof that you not only recognize what someone wants, but can give it to them.” React with an individualized response to what your audience has requested.
Overall, it's about wooing your target oppose to wowing them. Never come across as self-absorbed, instead be accommodating towards others. Demonstrate to your audience how your skills will support their objectives and make their life better, suggests Jeffries. “The smartest pitches contain a core of facts that are surrounded by a flexible, dynamic set of sell ideas that can be altered to appeal in exactly the right way to the right person at the right time."
In short, with nearly 15 million Americans out of work and unemployment at 9.5 percent, job seekers must stand out these days. Jeffries, a business coach and communications consultant to major corporations, shares tips on how to get an edge whether it's landing a job or a promotion. As the title suggests, Jeffries emphasizes many of the same skills that can also help attract a mate. For example, there are tips on honing your "elevator pitch," the business world's equivalent of a pickup line in a bar. Other advice focuses on how to own your image, speak persuasively, and translate subtle cues from others' voices, body language and handshakes.
- Jamar Freeze
During this networking event, the goal will be to strategically connect you to your next referral, potential partners or bus
