What is personal presence?
We have all met people with strong personal presence at work and socially. These are men and women who are comfortable with themselves, self-assured but not obvious, and they are able to make everyone around them feel at ease too. However, because the British are traditionally reserved and overly modest, so, the more mature employee needs to keep one step ahead by using their experience and personal presence to stand out in a crowded jobs market.
It is well documented that people with a strong personal presence are much more likely to be offered career opportunities and are more able to close deals than those who lack or hide their charismatic qualities. In the UK we need to know how to celebrate and play to, our strengths. There is no point in hiding your talents. Acknowledge and harnessing your natural skills will ensure and more effective, productive and profitable business. Personal presence isn’t the only thing that you need to be a success, but it is certainly helps.
In business personal presence will open doors for you, make you stand out from the crowd, get you in front of people you would otherwise never meet, create opportunities and ensure you leave an impact wherever you go. People with strong personal presence attract success because they are well respected by their teams and clients alike. People notice them, want to engage with them and hear what they have to say.
Five tips to building Personal Presence
1. Have a clear vision
Take time to think where you want to be in the future. What are your long-term goals? What do you want to contribute and, what legacy do you want to leave. Your vision should fill you with passion – if you are not excited by it, think again.
2. Values
Consider the things in life that are really important to you and always be true to your moral principles or ethics. What really matters to you and what will you never compromise on? It is easier to make decisions when you are clear about your values.
3. Have a clear sense of purpose
Confidence stems from knowing the direction you wish to take and enjoying your drive and passion to succeed. Having this commitment means you stand tall, walk with purpose and positivity. Know what you want to achieve from every meeting or interaction and prepare well with the outcome in mind.
4. Authenticity
Do you believe in yourself? Authenticity can make or break a business relationship and it affects the impression you give to people. If you are a designer does your branding have the WOW factor for example? If you are a coach, do you invest in your own coaching and development? You will only be believable if you practice what you preach.
5. Giving away value
By sharing your expertise and giving some advice or knowledge for free, you will start to attract a following of fans. This will not only raise your profile, you will also find that people will want to connect with you, follow you on social media and eventually engage with you and refer you to others. Giving before you receive has also a real ‘feel good’ factor!
These tips have come from Sylvia Baldock who is a personal presence and team dynamics specialist, public speaker and a business/personal coach. Well qualified to comment on businesses, Sylvia also runs several networking groups, is a member of the Professional Speaking Association, a Growth Accelerator approved training provider and works closely with the Federation of Small Businesses. Find out more from
