“Smile, it just might make someone’s day” is how I sign off from the Friday’s Letters on my personal blog. I think if more people smiled, especially at strangers, this world be a little bit kinder.

I came upon this quote earlier this week:

Laughter is day, and sobriety is night; a smile is the twilight that hovers gently between both, more bewitching than either. -Henry Ward Beecher

It immediately caught my attention because it started out with the word laughter, which of course reminded me of my word of the year, laugh.

I started thinking about the power of smiling, a tool that isn’t used enough in business or in life, especially in business.

I think people think smiling can be a sign of weakness when in negotiations. You might not seem as authoritative if you are caught smiling or smiling in a meeting might be interpreted as daydreaming.

The thing is, smiling can be your secret weapon. Here’s how:

A Smile Increases Chances of Building Rapport

A genuine smile shows your attentiveness and immediately establishes a level of trust and honesty. It adds to open and approachable body language on display. When used with eye contact, it reassures the other person of your sincerity, more so when you are the first to smile.

Smiling Changes Mood

In stressful situations, a simple smile along with a reassuring comment can lift the air of tension. It can help ease worry, lighten the atmosphere and may help lower defensive walls.

Smiling Speaks to Positivity

When you smile, it not only puts you in a positive frame of mind, others see you that way as well. When you’re mindset is positive, then you are more likely to make positive decisions or impact discussions in a positive way.

I realize using a smile as a business weapon is a bit silly sounding. But smiling has had the single biggest impact on my overall attitude. Not to mention that a genuine smile has proven health effects, one of which is the ability to help build your immune system.

Smiling; It’s Easy to Do

Start by creating one, even if it isn’t genuine. Trust me it won’t be long until you feel it’s real.

Smile at people, watch them smile back and observe your mood. You will be surprised at how much a simple, real smile can change your attitude.

I will leave you with an interesting tidbit about smiling. Physically smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning. Just one more reason to smile more.