Looking for a way to lock in that sale - and create word-of-mouth references from happy clients?

Be yourself - only better. 

Top 7 Tips to Make Your Presence So Memorable That People Can't Get Enough of Your Business.

Stop right here if all you want is a way to fool people into thinking you're a good guy, when you're not.   Impression management only works if you really mean the way you want to portray yourself.

Nothing is going to make you look good, sound good or feel good if there isn't something positive to begin with.

These tips are for the good guys.

1.   Show through your actions as well as your words that you're honest and ethical

Sound basic? Check out headlines over the past few years about professionals in trouble because they left that part out. Being believable means being trustworthy. Your clients need to sense that you'll tell them the truth - even if it means losing a sale.

2.  Practice poise

Think about the way you sit, stand, walk and talk. It's just as important as dressing appropriately, driving the kind of car your clients drive, and adjusting comfortably to your client's lifestyles and cultures.

3.  Project more than your voice.

Your body, hands, face, eyes, legs, tone of voice and movements need to tell the same story your conversation does. Train your body to stay in rhythm with what you're saying - and make sure you mean it. Be conscious of folded arms, clenched hands or tense facial muscles - your own as well as those you're with - and make sure you're acting appropriately.

4.  Exhibit self-confidence

Believe in yourself and others will, too. Speak with assurance and intelligence without being a know-it-all. And make sure you're speaking to the level of understanding and comprehension of those around you, so they can identify with who you are, and what you're communicating.

 5.  Have empathy

Don't be so afraid to get involved with anything but business that you fail to be human. Understand where your clients are coming from, their issues and concerns and needs. Putting yourself in their place will help you make the right recommendations - and inspire their confidence.

6.  Be friendly

Memorable presence begins with warmth. Do people like being around you? Do you inspire them to talk, think, plan and act? Listen, watch and sense when your client is eager and animated, and use your knowledge to verify the positives. Don't ignore the negatives, though - be genuine in your recommendations as well as your enthusiasm.

7.  Be organized and attentive

Know what you're doing, what you're talking about, and where you're going. Have materials at hand that make it easy for your clients to understand and leverage the work you're doing on their behalf. Take the time to listen, brainstorm and involve them as much as they need, or want, to be involved.

Does all this sound like the kind of person you already are? Congratulations - you already have a memorable presence! The more you didn't realize that, the more you're just being yourself. A good person, who cares about others.

If you think you might need a little help polishing a tip or two, consider communications coaching.

A special thanks to Tammy, for requesting these tips 

in response to the blog about How to sell a house in three seconds

With 15 years of media experience as a news reporter, media trainer, crisis communications coach and message development expert, my goal is to help you get your message right to all the people you need to reach.

Lara Travars at The Travars Group 

Helping you sound smart and stay out of trouble with communications counsel, strategy, message development and media training in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Triangle - and across the country.