By: I.C. Collins

“Be yourself or Be by yourself” it took a while for that to sink-in an old friend told me this when I was about 11 or 12. Ah heck I was young, what was I to do. Years later I figured it out. Just be yourself.

Just be yourself have fun at work.

Sound like an odd thing to say? Read on.

OK, think of the things you do with your favorite friend and how you became friends. Do you have them in mind? How do you act around them? Relaxed a little? In fact we just need to become friends, someone who you would want to hang-out with in fact act like ourselves around people we are close with. Just "be yourself."

Some people realize the value of challenging themselves, they want to put in the effort to learn and grow.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

But the question is how do we get more personal with our presentation message without making our jobs more difficult? I would practice my presentation with my wife and best friends. When you can sell these two groups it prepares you for anyone because in order to do that you had to be yourself - in a none threatening manner it is all about being yourself make a friend don't be a fake or phony person the rest is easy.

To me, it is all about being truthful with people, (what we call “sell yourself“ whether it is business or personal.) at some point you start to feel comfortable and just start acting like yourself and start being a natural person. You learn from it and you correct it.

I am amazed how many people act so fake around certain people at work or to their customers or clients. WHY? I like to know the real person, not someone who is fake or trying to be impressive. No one is like that with friends and family. People-customers can go from lot to lot they will never find another you so you might as well be yourself.

If we could cut-out all the "faking" and remember be yourself or be by yourself. Try it.

Changing our beliefs can have a powerful impact. The growth mindset creates a powerful passion for learning.

Here are some ways to “sell yourself” and build better business relationships:

• Be yourself: Not the hardest thing to do after all we're only human.

• “When you say something in a casual manner you will get a casual response." ~  I. C. Collins

It is so easy to be around people who make us feel welcome or allow us to just be ourselves.

It is such a shame that it takes some people a while to loosen up before people really see the real you and the wild sense of humor you have.

• Instead of just playing the corporate game, why not do both.

If you are with someone and you notice something that might be personal, to them such as a picture of their family or whatever, let the person talk about it.

After that, share something personal about yourself.

When you are authentic and emotionally intelligent you will have great influence over others. When used to influence others, emotional intelligence requires knowing your strengths and your present emotional state (self- awareness); knowing how to manage the moment you are in (self-management); knowing what's important to your customers and how they'll perceive your message (social awareness); and knowing how to forge a connection with decision makers (relationship management). These skills can be developed individually through practice.

• Everyone has something in common.

The key is to look for it or ask a few questions. If the person doesn't convey their feelings by words, then body language will definitely give you a clue.

• Sometimes, when we meet people, we want to seem impressive or important to them. Don't do it.

If your only goal is to try to "sell them" something. People can see right through this, and if you are not there to form a relationship they feel it.

• "Treat people the way you want to be treated."

Think of all future business settings as a get together at home in your backyard. You want to please everyone and just have a good time, with good company. By being yourself and using the rest of your sales training you will enjoy much deeper relationships and more sales.

What do you think?

Now it's your turn. Is this something you can benefit from or do you have a few tricks up your sleeve that are just as powerful?

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About I.C. Collins

Author, Educator, Trainer and President: Has One Simple Goal:  I believe it is my mission and purpose to remind you, that you are meant to have the best life possible! You were created with intention and purpose and I am here to simply help guide you through your life’s journey.

He is the founder of TechAutoCareers.com®,  Author ~ How to Succeed in the Automotive Sales Industry since 1994 the online resource for the *Automotive Sales Fraternity™* a strategy consulting firm that helps the *Automotive Sales Fraternity™* gain and keep more customers through the smart intersection of technology, social media, and customer service.

A bottom-line guy, Collins doesn't shy away from telling the truth in ways that cut through the noise to deliver streetwise advice from someone who's been there and done that, many times over. 

I wanted to take a minute and THANK all the people that comment, like, and share my posts daily. I appreciate you all!