When You're Smiling

When you're smiling.

Oh, when you're smiling.

The whole world smiles with you.

When you're laughing.

Oh, when you're laughing.

The sun comes shining through.

I heard this song the other day on the radio and it got me thinking.

It got me thinking about some volunteer work I did a month ago on a Saturday morning with a dozen high school students.

The title of my one-hour presentation was "The 7 Best Interviewing Tips and Techniques to Help You Get The Job You Want."

My goal was to share seven potential life-changing tips with the students.

The "When Your Smiling" song got me thinking about one kid in particular in this group.

He looked like he didn't want to be there. He sat slumped in his chair. He had a bad attitude written all over his face.

Who would want to hire anybody with a bad attitude? You're right, nobody!

I know I wouldn't take a chance on a person like this.

Unfortunately for this kid, one of my tips was the art of introducing yourself to the interviewer.

And of course this included a mini lecture on smiling.

I told the class, "You are a walking Billboard. What do you want your Billboard to say about you?"

I didn't want to bully this kid, but I did want to grab his attention.

I explained to the class "Your attitude is everything about everything!"

I asked the kid to show me how he would sit in his chair if he was on an actual interview.

To his credit he sat upright in his chair.

At that point, looking into his eyes, I smiled at him.

He immediately returned the smile.

And then I saw it. It was a complete and total transformation of his face.

When this kid was smiling he projected charisma, energy, self-confidence, and a very positive attitude. Obviously - all the right stuff.

I was stunned and amazed. Everyone in the class responded positively to his bright smile.

Sometimes we don't know what we don't know.

I'll bet this kid didn't know how important his smile was to his future.

I'll bet this kid didn't know how many doors would open for him in his lifetime when he's smiling.

I'll bet this kid didn't know how his smile could impact his relationships with family and friends.

And I'll bet this kid would lose his smile right after the class ended and go back to thinking the world owed him something. And that's just too bad.

Too bad because he will join the ranks of the people with permanent potential.

I write this newsletter for sales managers and salespeople. So let me tie the "Smile" to the business of selling your products and services.

ABS - always be smiling.

Always be smiling when calling your sales prospects and customers.

Always be smiling when introducing yourself to a sales prospect on your first sales call.

Always be smiling when you're asking your sales questions.

Always be smiling when you're doing your sales presentation.

Always be smiling when you're dealing with the price objection because your smile will warm up the room and lighten up the atmosphere.

Always be smiling when you're trying to secure the commitment from your sales prospect.

Always be smiling when you're asking for referrals.

Look, smiling is a no-brainer because it makes you more attractive to everybody.

Smiling also makes you more likable and self-confident.

Just for a minute imagine Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or Louis Armstrong singing this song.

When you're smiling.

Oh, when you're smiling.

The whole world smiles with you.

When you're laughing.

Oh, when you're laughing.

The sun comes shining through.

Now if this doesn't put a smile on your face nothing will.

The first person who smiles - always wins!