When it comes to successfully landing business deals, experience, background and education are definitely important.
But you also need to be able to sell yourself.
The book The Art of Selling Yourself: The Simple Step-by-Step Process for Success in Business and Life (Tarcher Master Mind Editions)
The authors, Adam Riccoboni and Daniel Callaghan, focus on tips to appeal to the "irrational," emotional reasons that people choose to do business with you. Examples of these "irrational" factors include how much someone likes you merely by examining how you look and sound.
We pared the book down to a few easy steps that will help you with your next business pitch, lunch meeting or job interview.
1. Be confident and believe in yourself
"For someone to believe in you, you must first believe in yourself," Riccoboni and Callaghan write.
Most people show their low self-esteem through speaking and body language and fail to gain the respect of others. The authors suggest choosing a "target" for how you want life to be and working toward it. The more you put yourself out there, the more confident you will be.
2. Use the right body language
Ninety percent of all communication is non-verbal, the authors say. Don't look down or cross your arms: these are seen as signs you aren't confident. Make an effort to smile, make eye contact and appear calm throughout your meeting.
3. Be prepared
Go into the meeting with knowledge about the company, people and culture. Showing that you care enough to be knowledgeable will make people trust you, Riccoboni and Callaghan say.
Consider ahead of time any questions you might be asked and have answers for them.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider