“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
– Leo F. Buscaglia
Last week I facilitated a training on using psychology as marketing tool to about 80 sales representatives of a company. I know from the onset of the training that they were expecting for the typically serious (and boring!) discussion on marketing theories...so it came as a surprise when I gave them a session on the art of smiling. :-)
I always believe that going back to the basics is the greatest marketing tool. Many marketing experts may not agree with me on this but as a practising psychologist,I am a firm believer that a single smile can make a huge difference in reaching out to people. It's the most inexpensive tool too! You need no money, expensive gifts, words, no extra thoughts and explanations... Just a simple smile:) It says a lot. I emphasized in my session that practising and perfecting the art of smiling (i mean genuine smile) can open doors of diverse relationships. Actually, there isn’t any art behind it. A smile is so simple, yet so powerful. Smile can have ultimate effects which I believe every marketing expert should know and internalize:
1. Of course--smile will bring attraction! I don’t mean sexually (well, maybe that too), but people will feel drawn to your energy with a simple smile. When you smile more, you will carry an aura and poise that will draw people to you. People will look forward to being around you, knowing only that they feel great around you. We all like and want to be around happy and cheerful people, right? smile has the power to make other people feel good about themselves. It’s heart-warming and has the power to cheer up others instantly.
2. SMILE will let you feel more positive about yourself and the world. Remember that smile is an expression of happiness and joy. Like an upward spiral, a smile will boost happiness and like a virus---happiness will be contagious! Others can quickly and easily catch it and will experience the side effects.So, why wait? Infect as many people as you can and believe me--in no time---you will make a difference!
3, Physically and Psychologically, SMILE can also affect your internal state, which can have physiological impact on your physical and mental health. I always tell people that when we smile, our brain produces "feel good hormones" which are at the same time our natural pain relievers!
4. SMILE will definitely open doors of friendship.Smile is strong indicator of a welcoming attitude and sure, this will make people feel more at ease with you.
So, do not be afraid to take the smiling challenge!
Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he will see all day.
