Permission is given to reprint the following articles, provided that the following contact information is provided in its entirety. 

© by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. 
Visit  www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com. 

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Smile—You’re on the Phone!

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

Top notch customer service reps smile when they talk on the phone. Why? They know people can “hear” the smile. A smile automatically translates into a positive tone of voice. An upbeat tone of voice elicits a response from the caller—often a more open, problem-solving response than the caller might normally give.

Most of us walk through much of our lives on autopilot. We are too busy to think about the image we project when we talk on the phone or when we send e-mail.

This lack of awareness causes missed opportunities. A conscious effort to smile—to project a friendly and cooperative impression—reaps these benefits:

• A smile predisposes people to respond to us positively. According to the authors of Primal Leadership, “of all emotional signals, smiles are the most contagious; they have an almost irresistible power to make others smile in return.” Smiles melt indifference and hamper hostility.
• A smile improves our own mood. Behavioral therapists have long known that action impacts mood. If you behave in a friendly, helpful way, you are more likely to feel friendly and helpful, especially over time.
• Smiles create positive cycles. If you feel upbeat, and others respond positively, you are likely to continue to feel and to behave in an upbeat way. Others will continue to respond positively, and you’ll get more done.

Life is complicated, but smiles and positive moods do have real power. Make the effort to smile next time you are on the phone. Add one gracious sentence to your next e-mail. Spread a good virus. It’s worth the effort!

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2010 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, is a recognized expert—helping people to use influence and persuasion to sell their ideas and move business forward. Bonnie is a professional speaker, author and coach. She recently launched a new coaching project to help her clients "Write the Book of Their Dreams."

Clients appreciate Bonnie’s practical, humorous and high-energy approach. She holds an MA in Communication and has been called upon to work with corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, and associations.

If you’d like to sell your ideas, boost your influence, or advance your career through a book or presentation, call Bonnie at 412-828-1629, bonnie@inCredibleMessages.com or visit her website at www.inCredibleMessages.com. 

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