Smiling is contagious in the street, the office or when networking

Last week I was visiting my family in Ontario and staying with my brother John. One day I just woke up feeling grumpy for no particular reason. Just a few blocks from his apartment, there is a Chapters bookstore with a Starbucks coffee shop so I decided to buy myself a fancy coffee to cheer myself up.

Good day or bad day

Before I got to the door, I passed a woman who was wearing a smile that was ear to ear. I said to her, “Looks like you’re having a great day.” and she replied, “Yes I am”. That was enough to instantly change my mood, from gloomy to cheerful in a heartbeat.

To smile or not to smile

As I passed people on the way to the coffee line up, I decided to follow some of my own networking expert advice. I consciously made the effort to look them in the eye and smile at them. An amazing thing happened; they in return smiled back at me. I always marvel at how contagious moods are.

Networking tip

If you are positive, most people will automatically want to be around you and who knows, you might just make their day. (Networking tip – If you’re in a bad mood and can’t get out of it, our advice is it’s best not to attend a networking event. Click here to see someone you might not approach when networking – Terry on a very bad day)

Other Articles:

• Savvy networking skills, the key to connecting in business and life.

Posted by Joanne Blake – Networking expert and non-grumpy person