Making an impact in every room in 2023
Imagine you're at a networking event. It's your first time and you're feeling a little anxious. You see a group of people across the room and you start to make your way over, but before you can take two steps someone else has already reached them. Sound familiar?
It can be tough to make an impact in a room full of strangers, but with the right tools you can be the person who makes a difference, however small, to someone at the end of the night.
Making an impact is not just about getting your point across effectively or becoming unforgettable; it’s about making a positive difference to the people you interact with.
In this article, we’re going to explore easy tips that you can use to make an impact and how you can make more of it in every room you enter in 2023.
Why should you make an impact?
We are all different and we each bring something unique to the room. When you walk in, you bring in your distinct skill set, experiences, talents, and aspirations.
You're not there to blend in or fade into the background, although for many of us, especially the introverts, it is very tempting to do.
You want people to experience your particular blend of you. Someone might learn something new, be encouraged or look for ways to work with you.
Making an impact does not only benefit others, it is also a chance for you to shine and showcase you. It is a win-win for everyone.
Actionable tip: Think about things that bring out your best self and allow yourself to shine brightly. What would happen if everyone did this same thing? We would have more light in our lives than ever before!
Impact vs impression
Before we embark on ideas on how we can make an impact in every room, it is important to explore what impact is and how it differs from making an impression.
When you walk into a room, what do you want to happen?
Do you want people to be awestruck by your presence? Do you want them to be drawn to you and your ideas?
There's a big difference between making an impact and leaving an impression.
Impression is what people think of you when you walk in the room. It's the immediate reaction to your arrival.
Impact, on the other hand, is what people remember about you after you leave.
Ideally, you want to make both an impact and an impression. But if you had to choose one, which one is more important? The answer: impact.
Why? Because impact is what lasts long after you have left.
6 tips to leave an impact in every room
Be fully present
When you walk into a room, be fully present. Make a conscious decision to be there, in that moment, with those people.
This attitude will make you more focused and attentive, and you'll be better able to pick up on the subtleties of the conversation.
It also sends a clear signal to the people in the room that you're interested in them and what's going on — someone who's engaged and invested in the discussion. And that's someone they'll want to listen to.
Be fully present in the moment, aware of your surroundings, the people and how you feel.
Actionable tip: Pay attention to what is going on around you: the people, sounds, colors, textures. And put your phone away!
Be passionate and genuine
When you enter a room, don’t be afraid to be passionate about whatever topic you’re discussing. Tell people how you feel and speak your truth.
When it comes to conversations, bring your real and genuine self to the table. People will appreciate your openness and respect you for being authentic; they will be drawn to your vibrancy and enthusiasm.
Actionable tip: Invite others into the conversation and listen with an open mind. Ask questions and really listen to the answers; you might even surprise yourself by discovering something worthwhile in the process!
Be interested, not interesting
So many of us focus on being interesting as opposed to being interested.
Being interesting is an inward looking process that simply focuses on how others will think of us. You may end up dominating the conversation or droning on endlessly about yourself in your attempt to look interesting.
Being interested, however, focuses on the other person. What are they really trying to tell us? What were their experiences? Be interested in what they are talking about and be willing to share your ideas, experiences, and opinions.
Actionable tip: Ask open-ended questions that give more than just a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Show genuine interest in what others have to say and take the time to learn more about them, their accomplishments and their passions.
Speak with intention
We have all been in a situation where someone is saying one thing but deep down you can feel their intention is very different from their words.
However, to make an impact, it is important that your communication is direct: Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Speak with purpose and take ownership of your words.
Actionable tip: Before speaking in any room or situation, pause and think about your intention behind what you want to say. This will help you stay focused on the main point of whatever you’re addressing, ensuring that your message is impactful and memorable.
Don't be afraid to take up space
To make an impact in every room you enter, you must learn to take up space.
Too often, we are scared of taking up too much space and not leaving enough for others.
Additionally, many of us experience imposter syndrome. We think that our thoughts, experiences and talents are not good enough and that others will not be interested in them.
Taking up space is not being aggressive. Taking up space is recognising that you have something worthwhile to bring to the table and you deserve your fair share of space.
Actionable tip: Practice speaking with intention. Make sure you are stating facts clearly and confidently, with a body language that shows open curiosity and understanding. Reduce hesitation with your words and convey a sense of authority.
Be curious
We have all heard that “curiosity killed the cat”. However, we want to change this to “Curiosity took the cat everywhere”.
The secret to making an impact in every room you walk into is to be curious. Ask questions, listen intently, and take the time to understand what's being said.
Not only will this help you gain a better understanding of the topic at hand, but it will show others that you care and are invested in the conversation.
Being curious opens up lines of communication and makes people feel heard. People appreciate it when someone shows an interest in what they’re saying, and it can help build relationships faster by creating a sense of trust between you and those around you.
Additionally, being curious gives you the opportunity to learn something new every day and that's invaluable! Taking in new information helps us grow as people and can even develop into powerful ideas for our business, families and communities.
Actionable tip: Go into a room with the intention of learning something new. Keep your mind (and ears) open. And don't be so quick to dismiss ideas that may be foreign or new to you.
Final thoughts on how to make an impact in every room
If you want to make an impact in every room you walk into, start by being fully present. Then focus on being interested, genuine and passionate. Be curious and speak with intention. Lastly, understand that it is ok to take up space and go ahead and do it.
When you focus on using our tips above, you will naturally make an impact; no need to be loud or imposing.
We hope this article has given some ideas for how to start making more of an impact in each room—and maybe even beyond!
If you are looking to make an impact in 2023 and would be interested in getting help to work on various aspects of your life, we are happy to help you. Speak to us on mike@mikeoconnell.com and let us explore how we can work together to create an impact in your life, your work, and your relationships.