Avoid the F.I.N.E. trap if you want to build relationships!

Howdy Gang~~ How ya doing?

STOP.

If you blurted out “fine” on autopilot, then reach up and give yourself a good smack. Avoid the F.I.N.E trap! (F.I.N.E. = Feelings I’m Not Expressing) Snoozer questions like “how are you doing?”, “how’s it going?”, “how are you feeling?” are bad enough, but to add a snoozer answer to the mix is just adding insult to injury. Think about it, if you meet someone at a networking event and they say, “Hi, how are you?” do they really want to know? No, of course not. It’s one of those silly little courtesy games we play with each other. Hihowareyoufinethankshowareyou. So here’s your opportunity to turn it around. Instead of “Fine,” try “Awesome!” or “Any better and I’d be twins!” or “Everything is beautiful!” or “If I was any better, vitamins would be taking me!” or my personal favorite, “So awesome it ought to be a sin!”. NOW you have their attention. Nobody expects that kind of answer, so you’ve peaked their curiosity and it’ll prompt them to find out what made you say it. Plus, you’ve set the tone with your positive outlook and then who wouldn’t want to meet you? Or connect with you? Or do business with you?

Try it and let me know how it worked out, and feel free to share your best lines. Now get out there and have a F.I.N.E.-free, AWESOME day!

And hey, if you are up to giving me an AWESOME day, leave a comment, Retweet this or hit up my website!!  😉