Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/959094
W EEKLY EDITION MAR 28, 2018 How to Change the Public's Perception of Your Company: Part II …continued By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos 5. Look the part. An often overlooked and undervalued component to your reputation is your first impression. And like it or not, people make judg ments before you open your mouth. Be sure to dress for the environment you're in. Don't be too casual. Always err on the side of being too dressy if you aren't sure of the dress code. Make sure your attire is clean, unwrinkled, and well fitting. Have your hair groomed. Don't lose your chance to impress someone simply because you don't look like someone they can trust with their business. 6. Consider your body language. Your body language tells people a lot. Make sure you have your body facing the person to w hom you are speaking, your feet pointed towards them, and a tall stance. Nod your head to show agreement, leaning into the other person at times, and smile here and there. 7. Be consistent. Being inauthentic will do you no good, because you won't be able to remain consistent. You need to show the same great qualities to everyone you meet, bad days included. If you are great in one setting and nasty, rude, and/or cold in other environments, your reputation will suffer. People are willing to share negative exp eriences much more readily than positive ones. And as you know, they can spread quickly. 8. Act with integrity. This should be the foundation of everything you do. But, especially in the world of business, small acts of greed, selfishness and jealousy can work against you (in ways you may not even notice) and showcase your lack of integrity. If you wouldn't buy the deal you're selling, don't sell it. If you know you can't get back to someone when you promis e, that is not being forthright. 9. Get engaged with your community. Your community can be as small as your office or as large as your city. Your engagement will have everything to do with your values and goals. Being engaged means getting to know people, giving back your time and resources, and being availa ble. When you do this, business opportunities will eventually follow. People talk to people, and when they need portable sanitation services, they'll recommend someone they know. 10. Be likeable and professional. Let's face it; nobody wants to do business wit h Mr. or Ms. Crankypants. Customers and the public don't care how busy or tired you are. You provide a service, and implicit in that service is "with a smile." So be friendly – or at least, be cordial – smile, and be able to carry on a conversation. Rememb er things they may have mentioned in the past like a grandson's little league game or a fishing trip to Nova Scotia and ask about it. These small things can all make you more likeable. What is unlikeable is being fake. Be careful not to falsify who you are just to be likeable. Warren Buffet once said something like, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." So spend some time on tactics and business culture that will build the reputation you want. You'll be glad you did. P AGE 14