Question: Is charisma a personality trait or a skill?

What is charisma? A certain je ne sais quoi? A mystical pull that attracts you to someone looking for what you have? A vibe or aura that makes people feel safe or comfortable?

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines charisma as “a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (such as a political leader). It’s also described as a special magnetic charm or appeal.”

In sales and marketing, any advantage to make it easier for people to like, know and trust you is a bonus, so if charisma helps win more introductions and potentially close more sales, it’s a skill you probably want to hone.

3 Ways Charisma Can Help You in Marketing and Sales

1. Think of charisma as a way of life. Most leaders have charisma. It may be inherent in their nature, but it’s also a social skill that can be developed. C-Suite executives are often coached on improving their presence, but charisma is more than just being prepared or looking confident. Charismatic people share who they are, and that they’re real. So, whether you’re marketing an idea, product or service, it’s important to be yourself. Modify your sales and marketing approach to fit your brand and style.
2. Learn the rules of engagement.We’re all human, and there’s a special quality about being open and connecting with others, even if you think someone is less important or more important than you. Pay attention to how you speak. Initiate eye contact. Invite conversation with a warm smile. A naturally charismatic person tends to listen to others and understands how to win friends and influence people. Although Dale Carnegie’s book of the same title may seem outdated, it’s still a classic, and many of the principles still hold true. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People in this free pdf. Any sales pro will tell you to listen more than you talk.
3. It’s OK to be vulnerable. In fact, there’s strength in vulnerability. Successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and experts often have a story of hardship, but they’re reluctant to share because they’re ashamed, the memory is too painful, or they don’t want to look weak. Stories bring people together, put us on an even playing field, and provide motivation and encouragement to the underdog in all of us. Share your challenges, successes, and failures in your sales and marketing, online and offline, onstage and offstage. Storytelling creates a bond with your customer.
4. Other tips to build your charisma? A good sense of humor helps, as well as not taking yourself so seriously. Add to that a dose of self-confidence, the ability to talk to anyone anywhere, and being mindful enough to focus your energy on just one person at a time. Expressive body language helps too. Not sure how to practice? Get a full-length mirror and have a conversation with your charismatic self.

   You’ll love who you see.