With Christmas just around the corner my thoughts have been centred around VISIBILITY and CREDIBILITY!
So does it count??? What exactly IS ''visibility'' and ''credibility'' what can it mean for your business and your networking opportunities?
My interpretation of Visibility is how your business LOOKS. How do other businesses see your business and most importantly see YOU? Credibility is the light in which businesses see you - your reputation.
Every time you take an action. Whether its being in a one to one situation, OR whether you are presenting to 100 people at conference. Your visibility and credibility is laid bare for everyone to see.
Rememeber back to any Christmas Party you have been to. What was the most memorable moment? Was it the venue, the politeness of the staff ( if you were at a restaurant)? or how about the person that got drunk , ended up dancing on the table , falling off it and then later crumpled on the floor?
I would hazard a guess that the latter was more memorable than the mundane events of that night /Afternoon/event. How many times have you been in the position or heard of someone too embarrased to face their colleagues or business contacts the following day back at work because of what happened at ''the Christmas Party''
Now i'm not knocking the Xmas Party - I will be up there with the best of you this year BUT...
The point is that visibility is important to businesses and the individuals in them and can make a difference to reputations. It works hand in hand with Credibility and profitability.
Think of it this way: V + C = P ( visibility + credibility = profitability) . You need both Visibility and Credibility in your field in order to be profitable. But make sure its POSITIVE!
Even if you dont own your own business, think about how this could affect you. If you are more visible and credible in your day to day operations, will it ultimately mean more profitability to you? If the company you work for can see that you make them money, then its more likely that more money and rewards would come your way. Hey Presto Profitablility.
So how can you make it work in your favour when you are at a Business Networking Event or even out at a Christmas Party with a networking group or colleagues or your customers?
1) Stay within your limits and know who you are going out with: Are you going out with a group of colleagues who you can comfortably let your hair down with , or is it your biggest client ??
2) Are you going ''just for fun'' or is it to impress ? If you are out to impress then are those tequila slammers the best idea.
3) Do you have any important meetings the next day - eg BNI, Client Meetings, Work? If you need to drive, is that extra drink worth it?
Just take a moment to consider how you want your credibility and visibility to look?
Most Importantly have a FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS
