“You Either Have it Or You Don’t”

Charisma

The dictionary defines charisma as, compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others : she enchanted guests with her charisma.

You probably know one or, maybe two people who are very charismatic. I say one or two, because it is not something that is readily found in people. Yet, for those who are naturally blessed with it, it has a tremendous impact on their business and personal success.

I am fairly good friends with one of our state senators. Believe me, here is a man who has charisma. When you meet him he instantly makes you fee like you have known him for years, you become the only one in the room to him. As a result you want to do things for him. Including vote for him.

The important thing here is that he is genuine. The way he makes you feel is not an act. As I mentioned I’ve known him for a lot of years. I think this story about our relationship will be the best way to drive home the point of charisma.

I had just arrived in Brownsville, maybe been here a couple of weeks. I was on the city’s public golf course with my father-in-law. We were standing on a fairway waiting for the green to clear so we could take our approach shots. The Senator was on a green just a short distance away. I had no idea who he was, just another guy on the course. He looked up saw us and gave us a big friendly wave. Then he immediately came over to us. He just started chatting with us about golf then asked what we did etc, etc,.. from that day on anytime I’ve ever seen him he would go out of his way to come over and visit.

I remember one time when I was moving from my first studio location into a new and bigger location, we were having an open house and a lot of people were there. All of a sudden, In walked senator Lucio. I hadn’t sent him an invitation because I thought he wouldn’t know me from Adam. But in he walked bearing a house warming gift. Needless to say I was really impressed. Later on I was talking with his chief-of-staff and I asked about the senator’s friendliness. He told me he started as a school teacher and that he truly loves people. He said that he literally will do almost anything for anybody to help them out. His Chief said he is a real man-of-the-people. The real McCoy.

In my own business I have found that because I am very friendly and out going people are drawn to me. Even on days when things aren’t going well and I would rather be home in my hot-tub, I go out of my way to look for ways to be friendly with people. I have met many photographers who want to play it cool, and standoffish. That has never worked for me. I have found that people are looking to do business with people who care about them. So I go out of my way to help them out, even if they don’t hire me. Have I ever been taken advantage of? Sometimes, but life has to about more than just money. If you feel that way and let others know that, then people will automatically be drawn to you.

Charisma is a hard thing to define, so I’ve tried to explain it by relating some of my true life experiences with a man I find to be very charismatic.

Work on this, yourself, you’ll find it works wonders, and it will also help you get through those really tough times in life that we all have.

If you haven’t signed up for the member’s only side of the site you are missing out on some really great info. The feedback on the Valentine’s Day promo template I put up has been really positive.

http://www.businessforphotographers.com

In the meantime work at becoming Charismatic

 See ya soon.

 Greg

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