Do you think your small business is successful because of your quality products? You might be missing the most important part of success for your small business: the charisma.
Charlotte had an amazing restaurant many years ago called Dikadee’s Front Porch, where people would line up into the parking lot to enjoy dinner. It was considered worth the wait. The menu was a basic chalkboard just inside of the entrance, and the owner, Nick Collias, would describe each dish to each set of guests about to be seated. His descriptions were as amazing as the food, (trout piccata, tournedos marchand de vin, steak au poivre, and saganaki, to name a few of the signature dishes) and those descriptions were just as important as the food.
Years later the restaurant was sold to a new owner. The menu remained the same, the chefs stayed, but the charisma vanished. Within a couple of years, the restaurant closed.
What happened?
The most effective small business leader has the talent to draw people in, and that is largely the foundation of the business’s success.
Here are three ways to build your small business charisma.
Make people feel special
When you have frequent customers, remember them. They want to be noticed, called by name, and served as a “regular.” Loyalty from customers happens when those customers feel special when visiting an establishment.
The same can be said for employees. When an employee makes the extra effort, demonstrates loyalty or steps up in the midst of a challenging situation, recognize them immediately. Not necessarily demonstratively, but sincerely. In both of these cases, when you engage with people and show interest, they will respond positively.
Display your personality
People gravitate toward confidence, upbeat attitudes and warmth. But most importantly, be authentic. People can detect fake attitudes quickly and they will create a distance from you if they feel you are being disingenuous. Be yourself, even in professional settings. Be the friend they want to do business with.
Deliver positive impact
Ask this of yourself; right after people deal with you: How do they feel? Are they glad to have encountered you or are they wishing they had never met you? As we walk through life bumping into others, are you focusing on leaving a positive impression? As a small business owner, whether you are dealing with a complaint from a loyal customer or having a simple daily interaction with a stranger, you want people to feel better after having spent time with you. When you make people feel good, they will continue to return time and time again.