Managing perceptions – the 12 x 12 x 12 rule
Managing the perception others have of you
As your small business accountant, I’ve recently been reading a short networking article called The 12 x 12 x 12 Rule for Networking, which I thought I would share this with you. In actual fact, the rule is applicable for any business meeting, especially when meeting a person for the first time. As they say, “First impressions count”.
The 12 x 12 x 12 rule has 3 questions:
1. How do you look from 12 feet away?
As a rule, try to dress at or above the expected level of the audience or attendees.
2. How do you look from 12 inches away?
Interestingly enough, the rule is asking you to consider what message your body language is sending.
3. What are the first 12 words out of your mouth?
Now I find this rule particularly interesting. I find that when people ask me what do I do, that it pays to have a succinct response that grabs people’s attention, promoting curiosity and engagement. If I say I’m an accountant, people’s eyes tend to glaze over. But if I say “I help people retire young, rich and free”, then this is found to be much more interesting. Who knows where it might take the conversation!
The BNI article will only take a couple of minutes to read.
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