Sister Snog

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Leading Lady. Starlet. Flocked wallpaper that blends into the background. Or wilting wallflower? Ouch!

The new going out
If your little voice is telling you going out to 'that' business event could be a big mistake. Stay at home. Clear down your inbox. Sort out your expenses. Write a blog. Have a Twitter. Or a flutter. Play Wink Bingo (just kidding)! Make a to-do list. Phone a friend. Read a book. Trash, trivia or totally topical. Something by the Leo Sayer lookalike. Or Mr Godin perhaps? Lacking inspiration? Look no further than 15 worthy books for business minded women.

Looking good. Feeling good
Don't take shortcuts. Your sins will find you out. Wrinkeld shirt. Crumpled skirt. Chipped nail varnish. Forgot to polish your shoes. Hotter on the tube than anticipated? If you don't take pride in your appearance, what does that say about your attitude to your work. You are what you wear.

Smile Power
Wearing a smile when you are among strangers is the best way to invite them to get to know you. A smile sends a message that you are friendly. Likeable. Engaging. Your face is the first thing people look at when they meet you. So be a flower. With a delicious scent. That draws people close enough to see inside you. Now that's Smile Power.

Talking hands
Body language speaks volumes. Handshakes have a language of their own. A Controller extends their hand. When your hands are linked - they manoeuvre theirs on top. They want to be in charge. If you'll  let them. The Dead Fish. Sweaty, wet palms. The sign of a nervy individual with a nervous disposition. Is that someone you really want to cultivate. Maybe not. The Limp Finger syndrome. Extending fingers rather than the entire hand. More common in women than men. Not really a handshake at all. More of a token gesture lacking authenticity. And The Sandwich. Enveloping another person's hands in yours. Inappropriate for strangers. To be reserved only for people you know. Or who know you. 

Razzle dazzle
Add a sprinkling of pzzaz and a touch of theatre when you describe what you do. Be animated. Be authentic. Be your personal brand. What snippets or anecdotes can you share. Everyone loves a story. Remember Jackanory?

A hint of perfume
OK. So you look fabulous. Have captivated your audience. Time to move on. But before you do, leave a hint of perfume on the pillow. A well designed business card (using both sides). The promise of a sensational website. Or a brilliant blog. Show you're someone who's connected. That connects. 

A spoonful of sugar
We're living in a collaborative era. Think 'what can I do for you' rather than 'what can you do for me'. What doors can you open? What juicy bit of information can you share? A top tip that worked for you. A golden nugget of information. 

Nice to see you. To see you nice!
When you get home, take out the business cards you've collected. Pick out the people you clicked with. Chemistry is key. Be selective. Check out their website. Tweet on Twitter. Link on LinkedIn. Find them on Facebook. Blab on their blog. Stand out and shine by staying in touch with tasty morsels and tit bits.

Endorse. Be endorseable
Endorse. When appropriate. Put yourself in a position so that they can easily return the favour. Make sure you, your proposition, your website, blog or tweets are colourful enough to be associated with. And easy to promote and shout about.

Spelling bee
How's your orthography? You know. Your spelling. Which do you think is correct accommodate or accomodate? Do you know the difference between complementary and complimentary? Does it matter? Well yes. It does actually. In fact there's a strong case that Dan Quayle lost all hope of ever becoming President of the US when he very publicly misspelt potato. Adding an 'e' to the humble tuber. Poor spelling can have powerful consequences. Could make you look sloppy or slapdash. Incompetent. Or is it incompetant? Make sure you're remembered and stand out from the crowd. For the right reasons.

Caroline Bosher is a networking specialist who helps people discover their magnetic personal brand both online and offline. For more info visit www.carolinebosher.com