Winning Smile

(Author’s Note:  Today’s post is inspired by “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from the Broadway musical, “Annie.”)

You’re Never Fully Dressed —

Though You May Wear the Best —

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile!

Whenever I’m asked the secret to effective networking, a whole host of ideas rush through my brain… where to begin?  Should one start with a goal or list of people to reach out to or a series of questions he/she wants answered or sign up for a month of networking events or what?  Then it occurs to me, the #1 secret weapon to effective networking is, of course, a winning smile!

There is something so joy-laden about a genuine, ear-to-ear grin.  When someone flashes their pearly whites, the recipient of the gift of the smile simply cannot resist breaking into a beaming smile of their own.  The authenticity of a real, full-fledged, honest-to-goodness smile will work its way up so that you are smiling with your mouth, your eyes, your face and your entire being.

Your smile is the magnet that will draw others to you and signifies the following:

• I’m confident.
• I’m approachable.
• I’m open to connections with others.
• I’m offering you an invitation to smile right back at me. C’mon, I dare ya!

I recommend a quick practice run in the mirror each morning, then the audacity to share your gorgeous smile all day long.  Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!  Happy Networking!

(Special Note:  Thank you to CLC Community Member, Andrew Starr, for my third annual Hanukkah mug.  This year’s mug, featured in this blog’s image, is my favorite, yet.  I couldn’t resist SMILING when this beauty emerged from its packaging.  It even arrived in the most timely way… on November 1st in honor of NaNoWriMo.  #GRATEFUL)