Developing your personal impact requires you to consider how you come across to others and what you can do to create the kind of impression you want. The key is to change the impression you make without having to change your whole personality (which you can’t!).

Developing your personal impact goes hand in hand with developing yourself. It's done through looking at strengths and developing what you already have, rather than trying to fix any weaknesses.

Here are 5 Tips for making a positive impact with others:

1. Be proactive

• Get to work on things now before they start to work on you.
• Be known as a ‘mover & shaker’
• Be someone who makes things happen and actively seeks out responsibility.

“We immediately become more effective when we decide to change ourselves rather than asking things to change for us.” – Stephen Covey.

2. Be a deliverer

• Develop a track record of achievement.
• Talk to people about the results you’re getting – not simply how busy you are.
• Make sure you always contribute more than you cost.

“Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.” – Robin S. Sharma.

3. Be focused

• You cannot do everything – so prioritise what you will do.
• Distinguish what’s important from what’s urgent.
• Apply the 80-20 rule; 80% of your results flow from just 20% of the things you do – so identify these things and get them right. Less is often more.

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”                      – Winston Churchill.

“The main thing – is to keep the main thing the main thing.” – Stephen Covey.

4. Be enthusiastic

• Enthusiasm is contagious (and so is a lack of it!).
• Use positive, action orientated language – can, will, have.
• Become known as an upbeat ‘can-do’ person.

“If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.” – Vince Lombardi

5. Be confident

• Recognise the importance of your body language and what it’s saying to others.
• Kill that negative self-talk – the thoughts you have about yourself.
• Dress for success; always be well groomed and look professional.

“I think the best way to have confidence is not to allow everyone else's insecurities to be your own.” – Jessie J.