A Dozen Latest Ways to Grow Your Blog!
Everyone who starts a blog knows the name of the game is bringing in more subscribers -- and keeping them! Here are the latest tips on how to grow that list of regular readers.
Tip 1: Follow your bliss. That was the late mythology professor Joseph Campbell's advice to his Sarah Lawrence College students on how to be happy. It's also good direction for doing a dynamite blog. In other words, write what you love to cover. Sharing your passion attracts readers -- and makes it easier for you to write new content when you might not feel like it. Readers are attracted to content that's created with genuine enthusiasm.
Tip 2: What you give is what you get. In the blogosphere, it pays to give as much as you can. Sure, keep up your own blog with relevant and valuable content for the community members you want. But experts advise spending more time adding value to five to ten other communities, where your potential subscribers may be checking into content and connecting with each other.
Tip 3: Be an originator more than a curator. It's fine to use your blog to organize and share information of interest to your readers. But don't stop there. Always add your original insight or find another take on the information, coming from a different point of view.
Tip 4: Think of your blog as a smart conversation. Focus on making your content as terrific as it can be. Look at things from a different perspective -- your own! -- and look for ways to induce interesting responses from the people you want to reach.
Tip 5: Add value. Don't just list the Top 10 this or the Worst 10 that. Make intelligent comparisons where you can. Concentrate on how something will benefit your audience. Tell people how to use different resources, how to access new information. Explain how you came to make the choices you did. Don't be another generic blogger!
Tip 6: Any questions? Ask your readers if there's something they'd like to know about your area of expertise. Then respond on your blog. Follow up by asking for feedback. Also, write about things you're interested in learning about that can't be readily found on the Internet. The original research you do will move your blog up in searches for that topic.
Tip 7: Answer their needs. Think about what your readers need to know. What kind of help are they looking for? Then give it to them. And always respond to all questions from readers -- these are people who gave you their time.
Tip 8: Don't be shy about sharing your opinion. Often this is what people are actually looking for.
Tip 9: Always show respect. As a blogger, you're often putting forth one side of an issue and then opening up the conversation to other points of view. When people begin commenting to one another, the blog gets a life of its own. Since it's your blog, you can jump in to keep the comments coming. Be gracious about different opinions - people want to know you've considered what they have to say, whether you agree with them or not. Your subscriptions will grow because people want to be part of something where their opinion is respected.
Tip 10: Focus on perennial problems. Some bloggers have had great success constructing an editorial schedule around ten or twelve in-depth posts on problems that crop up year after year. You'll draw in readers, get them sharing your content, move up in the search rankings and start building a list of loyal subscribers.
Tip 11: Ask for the subscription. Give prominence to the subscriber box. Make sure it's above the scroll. Many experts advise against pop-ups, which users often find annoying. Emphasize email -- it's more popular than RSS. Always ask again for subscriptions at the end of a posting. If someone's made it that far, they're a good prospect to sign up for more.
Tip 12: Make an offer. A free eBook is a great way to get new opt-in subscribers. Consider what your blog is about and put together some of your best "how to" advice. Interview experts on a topic and share their views. It's not hard to email subscribers a link where they can download a PDF of your free piece.
Every time you publish, make sure you're giving readers one more good reason to subscribe. That's the best way there is to get new readers and keep the ones you have.... Enjoy a great month!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Inside Lending Newsletter - For the week of May 16, 2011
>> Market Update
QUOTE OF THE WEEK..."Always remember that your own resolution to succeed is more important than anything else."--Abraham Lincoln.
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE...Our resolution to succeed in the real estate market was given a bit of a boost with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) report that existing home sales were up 8.3% in the first quarter over the fourth quarter of last year. Plus, on a quarter-to-quarter basis, sales rose in every region of the country. Year-over-year, sales were virtually flat, slipping just 0.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.14 million homes.
This was nonetheless balanced with some disappointing data. Year over year, existing home prices dropped 4.6% nationwide, to a median of $158,700. Median prices dropped year over year in 118 of 153 metro areas, but rose in 34 of them. This drop in median price came because more sales were in the lower end of the market. In spite of this lower price skew, first-time buyers only made up 32% of the market, versus 42% a year ago when the federal homebuyer tax credit spurred sales.
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK...People like doing business with someone they can relate to. Try sharing some of your childhood or teenage experiences. The other person may bring up some of their own. Trading personal anecdotes, people feel like they've known you for years even though you've just met.
>> Review of Last Week
A BIT OFF... Like yesterday's fish, stocks didn't seem very appealing to investors who can't seem to stay confident in the economy, as the Dow and the S&P 500 dipped for another week. Sure, the tech-driven Nasdaq didn't drop, but ending flat clearly isn't very bullish. Commodities came back some and the dollar rallied. Problems included April Retail Sales which were up 0.5%, but the big gains were from service stations and supermarkets, reflecting rising gas and food prices. For consumers, inflation was up 0.4% in April and up 3.2% for the year.
Weekly jobless claims were down by 44,000, but still firmly above the 400,000 level they were under up till a few weeks ago. But earnings for S&P 500 companies in the first quarter were up an encouraging 20% compared to last year. And the total return for the S&P 500 index itself is also UP almost 20% over the last year. So stock prices are tracking earnings growth exactly. Part of that growth clearly comes from exports, which in March almost hit their all-time high of July 2008.
For the week, the Dow ended down 0.3%, at 12,596; the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, to 1,338; and the Nasdaq ended flat, at 2,828.
Mixed results in the bond market, with shorter dated maturities gaining slightly and longer ones losing a tad. Safe haven buys driven by continued Euro, Middle East and Japanese nuclear concerns were discouraged by inflation worries. The price of the FNMA 4.0% bond we watch ended the week down .10, closing at $100.04. Freddie Mac's national average rates for conforming mortgages fell once more and although some worry rates may head back up, they're now below levels of a year ago.
DID YOU KNOW?...Bricks are the oldest manufactured building material still in use. The ancient Egyptians first built with bricks over 7,000 years ago!
>> This Week’s Forecast
BUILDING NEW HOMES, SELLING EXISTING ONES...Tuesday we get a read on home building in April. Housing Starts are expected to be up a tad and Building Permits down just a smidge, indicating no major drop in activity a few months out. Thursday's Existing Home Sales are also forecast up for April, staying above the 5 million annual sales threshold.
The health of manufacturing in May is projected to be down a bit in both the New York region's Empire Index and the Philadelphia Fed index. The Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) Index is expected to be flat for April.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.Economic Calendar for the Week of May 16 – May 20
>> Federal Reserve Watch
Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months...Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke maintains he sees nothing wrong with Fed policy, so some economists expect these 0%-0.25% rates to be with us until the middle of next year. Note: In the lower chart, a 1% probability of change is a 99% certainty the rate will stay the same.
Current Fed Funds Rate: 0%–0.25%
Probability of change from current policy:
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic
QUOTE OF THE WEEK..."Always remember that your own resolution to succeed is more important than anything else."--Abraham Lincoln.
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE...Our resolution to succeed in the real estate market was given a bit of a boost with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) report that existing home sales were up 8.3% in the first quarter over the fourth quarter of last year. Plus, on a quarter-to-quarter basis, sales rose in every region of the country. Year-over-year, sales were virtually flat, slipping just 0.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.14 million homes.
This was nonetheless balanced with some disappointing data. Year over year, existing home prices dropped 4.6% nationwide, to a median of $158,700. Median prices dropped year over year in 118 of 153 metro areas, but rose in 34 of them. This drop in median price came because more sales were in the lower end of the market. In spite of this lower price skew, first-time buyers only made up 32% of the market, versus 42% a year ago when the federal homebuyer tax credit spurred sales.
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK...People like doing business with someone they can relate to. Try sharing some of your childhood or teenage experiences. The other person may bring up some of their own. Trading personal anecdotes, people feel like they've known you for years even though you've just met.
>> Review of Last Week
A BIT OFF... Like yesterday's fish, stocks didn't seem very appealing to investors who can't seem to stay confident in the economy, as the Dow and the S&P 500 dipped for another week. Sure, the tech-driven Nasdaq didn't drop, but ending flat clearly isn't very bullish. Commodities came back some and the dollar rallied. Problems included April Retail Sales which were up 0.5%, but the big gains were from service stations and supermarkets, reflecting rising gas and food prices. For consumers, inflation was up 0.4% in April and up 3.2% for the year.
Weekly jobless claims were down by 44,000, but still firmly above the 400,000 level they were under up till a few weeks ago. But earnings for S&P 500 companies in the first quarter were up an encouraging 20% compared to last year. And the total return for the S&P 500 index itself is also UP almost 20% over the last year. So stock prices are tracking earnings growth exactly. Part of that growth clearly comes from exports, which in March almost hit their all-time high of July 2008.
For the week, the Dow ended down 0.3%, at 12,596; the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, to 1,338; and the Nasdaq ended flat, at 2,828.
Mixed results in the bond market, with shorter dated maturities gaining slightly and longer ones losing a tad. Safe haven buys driven by continued Euro, Middle East and Japanese nuclear concerns were discouraged by inflation worries. The price of the FNMA 4.0% bond we watch ended the week down .10, closing at $100.04. Freddie Mac's national average rates for conforming mortgages fell once more and although some worry rates may head back up, they're now below levels of a year ago.
DID YOU KNOW?...Bricks are the oldest manufactured building material still in use. The ancient Egyptians first built with bricks over 7,000 years ago!
>> This Week’s Forecast
BUILDING NEW HOMES, SELLING EXISTING ONES...Tuesday we get a read on home building in April. Housing Starts are expected to be up a tad and Building Permits down just a smidge, indicating no major drop in activity a few months out. Thursday's Existing Home Sales are also forecast up for April, staying above the 5 million annual sales threshold.
The health of manufacturing in May is projected to be down a bit in both the New York region's Empire Index and the Philadelphia Fed index. The Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) Index is expected to be flat for April.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.Economic Calendar for the Week of May 16 – May 20
>> Federal Reserve Watch
Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months...Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke maintains he sees nothing wrong with Fed policy, so some economists expect these 0%-0.25% rates to be with us until the middle of next year. Note: In the lower chart, a 1% probability of change is a 99% certainty the rate will stay the same.
Current Fed Funds Rate: 0%–0.25%
Probability of change from current policy:
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Interest Rate Chart from Chad Peterson
How long rates will remain this low is anybody's guess. But this chart demonstrates just how historically low interest rates are. Look at where rates were in the early nineties - then look what happened!
We hope this chart provides food for thought for anyone wondering if now is a good time to get off the fence regarding a home purchase or refinance.
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
We hope this chart provides food for thought for anyone wondering if now is a good time to get off the fence regarding a home purchase or refinance.
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Power Tools Newsletter From Chad Peterson
Statistics Show How to Make a Lasting First Impression!
A good first impression is the way to start a great relationship. A negative first impression can often be overcome, but why give yourself the extra work?
Statistics from psychological studies show what to do to make a first impression that will last.
1. Watch what you wear. First impressions are formed within 7 to 17 seconds of meeting someone and 55% of a person's opinion is driven by physical appearance. Dress conservatively when meeting for the first time, even if you're in a "creative" office environment. Don't use accessories, perfumes, hair styles and shoes that call attention to themselves.
2. Edit your body language. 93% of our judgment of others is based on non-verbal input. Watch your posture when standing and sitting. Use a firm hand shake. Maintain eye contact. Sitting too casually says you don't care. Crossing your arms says you're bored. Every so often, check how you're positioned--and make necessary adjustments.
3. Watch what you say. Words also make powerful first impressions--in fact, 7% of what we think of people is based on what they say. Before your first meeting, decide how you want to come across--confident, optimistic, innovative. Then list the words that convey these traits and keep them at the ready to use in conversation.
4. Use the other person's name. A study of personalized marketing showed that addressing prospects by name increased response 36%! Use the other person's name as soon as you learn it and repeat it throughout the conversation. Afterwards, write them a note mentioning everyone you met by name. Getting people's names right makes them want to connect with you.
5. Use an appealing tone of voice. 38% of a person's first impression is determined by your tone of voice. Getting the right tone of voice isn't easy--you may want to be confident but not brash, enthusiastic but still relaxed, focused but not obsessed. Listen to yours and others' tone of voice and practice speaking in a tone that reflects how you want to be regarded.
6. Be on time. The way to never be late is to always plan on being 15 minutes early. You'll need that 15 minutes if you get lost or stuck in traffic. And when you do get there early, you can use the extra time to collect your thoughts about what you're going to do to make that lasting first impression.
7. Bring printed materials. If it's appropriate, have on hand printed copies of resumes, proposals, statistics, case studies and business cards.
8. Put the focus on THEM. You'll come off as self-centered if you talk too much about yourself. Before you meet, write down all the things you want to know about the other person--their goals, needs, where they're at now. You don't have to go deep the first meeting; just show interest in making a connection.
9. Listen well. Time and again, studies show listening is one of the top skills needed for business success. On average, people only retain 50% of what they hear. Focus on doing better than that. Listening well makes it easy to keep the conversation going. Comment on what the other person says. Ask follow up questions.
10. Research them. Find out as much as you can about the person you want to impress before you meet them. If you can ask intelligent questions, it shows you have some understanding about their situation and makes a very positive first impression. Check out social media to find mutual interests or friends that will spark instant chemistry.
11. Watch the jokes. People's response to humor varies, so skip anything controversial or sarcastic. Save the jokes for later when you know the person's sensitivities.
12. Relax! Be at ease and be yourself. Let the other person know the real you, a person far more appealing than someone who's stressed out trying to make a great first impression. Before your meeting, do something you like--listen to music, go to the gym. Give yourself a pep talk or call a friend for support. And if something trips you up in the meeting, don't panic. Just pause, take a breath and continue. Never assume you're blowing it--you really don't know what the other person is thinking!
With just a little practice, you can leave people with a wonderful first impression every time.... Have a great month!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
A good first impression is the way to start a great relationship. A negative first impression can often be overcome, but why give yourself the extra work?
Statistics from psychological studies show what to do to make a first impression that will last.
1. Watch what you wear. First impressions are formed within 7 to 17 seconds of meeting someone and 55% of a person's opinion is driven by physical appearance. Dress conservatively when meeting for the first time, even if you're in a "creative" office environment. Don't use accessories, perfumes, hair styles and shoes that call attention to themselves.
2. Edit your body language. 93% of our judgment of others is based on non-verbal input. Watch your posture when standing and sitting. Use a firm hand shake. Maintain eye contact. Sitting too casually says you don't care. Crossing your arms says you're bored. Every so often, check how you're positioned--and make necessary adjustments.
3. Watch what you say. Words also make powerful first impressions--in fact, 7% of what we think of people is based on what they say. Before your first meeting, decide how you want to come across--confident, optimistic, innovative. Then list the words that convey these traits and keep them at the ready to use in conversation.
4. Use the other person's name. A study of personalized marketing showed that addressing prospects by name increased response 36%! Use the other person's name as soon as you learn it and repeat it throughout the conversation. Afterwards, write them a note mentioning everyone you met by name. Getting people's names right makes them want to connect with you.
5. Use an appealing tone of voice. 38% of a person's first impression is determined by your tone of voice. Getting the right tone of voice isn't easy--you may want to be confident but not brash, enthusiastic but still relaxed, focused but not obsessed. Listen to yours and others' tone of voice and practice speaking in a tone that reflects how you want to be regarded.
6. Be on time. The way to never be late is to always plan on being 15 minutes early. You'll need that 15 minutes if you get lost or stuck in traffic. And when you do get there early, you can use the extra time to collect your thoughts about what you're going to do to make that lasting first impression.
7. Bring printed materials. If it's appropriate, have on hand printed copies of resumes, proposals, statistics, case studies and business cards.
8. Put the focus on THEM. You'll come off as self-centered if you talk too much about yourself. Before you meet, write down all the things you want to know about the other person--their goals, needs, where they're at now. You don't have to go deep the first meeting; just show interest in making a connection.
9. Listen well. Time and again, studies show listening is one of the top skills needed for business success. On average, people only retain 50% of what they hear. Focus on doing better than that. Listening well makes it easy to keep the conversation going. Comment on what the other person says. Ask follow up questions.
10. Research them. Find out as much as you can about the person you want to impress before you meet them. If you can ask intelligent questions, it shows you have some understanding about their situation and makes a very positive first impression. Check out social media to find mutual interests or friends that will spark instant chemistry.
11. Watch the jokes. People's response to humor varies, so skip anything controversial or sarcastic. Save the jokes for later when you know the person's sensitivities.
12. Relax! Be at ease and be yourself. Let the other person know the real you, a person far more appealing than someone who's stressed out trying to make a great first impression. Before your meeting, do something you like--listen to music, go to the gym. Give yourself a pep talk or call a friend for support. And if something trips you up in the meeting, don't panic. Just pause, take a breath and continue. Never assume you're blowing it--you really don't know what the other person is thinking!
With just a little practice, you can leave people with a wonderful first impression every time.... Have a great month!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)