I heard someone say that “it takes so little to be above average” and at the time I really didn’t think that I believed that statement.  But the more I interact with people at networking groups and social events the more I believe that to be true.  I run into people who are perpetually late for appointments, who walk into a room looking like they just rolled out of bed and who use language that would make a sailor blush and think how much more successful these folks would be if they just made a few minor adjustments.

Are you interested in being “above average”?  Let’s look at a few things you can do tomorrow to get there:

1.  Be on time. -  There is no greater insult to anyone than to be late.  Now I know that sometimes things happen, the kid throws up, the car won’t start or there is an accident on the freeway. but a little planning the night before can make you on time every time.  Being on time allows you to arrive relaxed and on your game.  It shows respect for the host/hostess or the boss if you are ready for a meeting.  It gives you the advantage that your later co-worker or competitor will not have.

2.  Look appropriate. -  If you are going to a business meeting, look the part.  If you are meeting at the ball park, look the part.  If you have been invited to a fancy event at a posh restaurant, don’t come looking like you are going to grab a burger at Mickey D’s!  No one expects us to dress to the nines all the time, but dressing appropriately for the event, at work or socially, just shows you are considerate and you care about what you are doing.

3.  Learn to smile. -  A smile can put the whole room at ease.  If you make sure that wherever you go you wear a smile, you will have friends and allies in every room you enter.  People want and need to be around cheerful uplifting people, so gain a reputation for being the person who likes people.

4. Act confident. – Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance. Stand tall, smile (of course), make eye contact, greet with a firm handshake. All of this will help you project confidence and encourage both you and the other person feel better at ease

5.  Be positive. – No body likes a gloomy Gus who walks around with his/her cup half empty.  Try to see the good in people and situations and you can be assured people will be interested in what you have to say.

6.  Be polite.  -  Simple manners have been lost these days.  Saying “please” and “thank you” shows that you respect people and their opinions.

7.  Turn off your phones in meetings, social gatherings, one-on-one conversations. and restaurants – Nothing says “you’re not that important” as answering a phone in a meeting.  For decades the world ran without us having to be at the beck and call of family, bosses, co-workers, etc. and if you are in a meeting (unless it is an all-day affair) most of us can afford to turn off our phones.  If it is going to be necessary for you to take a specific call, let the people you are with know and apologize in advance, explaining why this is so important that you must take the call.

8.  Watch your language. – There is no need to emphasize what you have to say with expletives and “R” rated language.  And there is certainly no room in any setting for innuendo, crude words, bad jokes or rude jesters.  If you are the one person in the room who can articulate a point without the use of this type of language, you will be the one that looks intelligent.

Follow these few rules and in no time at all people will be looking at you as an authority on any subject you care to introduce.  Why?  Because you will become the person that seems to “have it together” and that person is always viewed as an authority.  If you don’t believe me, think about the people in your life that seem to fall into that category.  What are they like?  I rest my case.  Notice also that none of these things will cause you to act in a way that appears phoney or unreal to folks around you.  These are simple, common sense ideas to help anyone be accepted in any group.  None of them are hard or require any extra education or specific training.  Everyone can be “above average” with just a little effort.

Now go out and be above average today!