Business focuses on nonverbal communication

CLOVIS — In the business field, what is conveyed without actually being verbally spoken means a great deal.

This is something entrepreneur Sherri Wilson hopes to instill in people with Genius Communication.

Wilson started the business as a way to help those in business improve communication skills, specifically on non-verbal exchanges, which make up 93 percent of communication, Wilson said.

“I felt like I had something mainly to help small businesses improve,” said Wilson, a self-professed introvert. “I met business owners that are just shy. I’ve struggled with those things... so that’s where I’m gonna help.”

The program has already caught the attention of Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Membership Retention Jonathan Justus.

“I’m looking forward to growing in the areas of business that I’m weak at, especially in regards to communication,” said Justus.

Wilson said her approach starts with figuring out “how to turn that like switch on,” or dealing with building charisma and relationships.

Wilson also discussed the importance of body language.

“One example, if you’re negotiating, where do you sit across from the person?” said Wilson. “Most people say if you sit right across from someone, you get fewer yeses.”

If you sit diagonally from someone, the interactivity increases, she added.

From watching a presentation given by Wilson at the Business-to-Business event in January, Justus noted putting hands in pockets gives off an impression that one does not really care about what is going on. Crossing your arms means you seemingly appear defensive.

“That was one of the most memorable things in my mind that she talked about,” said Justus. “How to make a sale based on their perception of you nonverbally, based on what you do with your body and your tone of voice.”

Another key aspect of improving non-verbal exchanges, Wilson said, is learning “how to be a human lie detector.”

“If people are lying, they will look at you more to convince you that they are not,” she said. “I can train them to try and spot deception.”

One of the big questions for business owners to consider is how they are viewed by others, Wilson said.

Wilson added it is important to understand four different personality styles, what she calls the “disc” test.

“D” personality styles prefer to be aggressive and want significant results, “I” personalities are more relaxed and friendly, “S” personalities are slow but stable and “C” personalities prefer accuracy.

“When I do a personality test, I know their personality style so I know how to offer them advice,” said Wilson. “You can put people in the wrong job if their personality is not a fit. It just really helps you to find out what your client needs and what motivates them.”

Wilson added part of the goal is to teach people how to work with different personality styles.

“That’s just wisdom,” said Wilson. “We need to learn from one another. That’s one thing my husband and I learned, to surround yourself with people who are different from you.”

Justus, who is general manager for A-Key Storage, also considers this important.

“I manage a business for two different owners who have different communication styles,” Justus added. “One owner needs a lot of detail and needs to know we’ve thought through every process while the other needs quick action.”

Social media is another key aspect of what Wilson focuses on.

“Your online presence actually gives a first impression,” said Wilson, referencing topics such as “color psychology” and website design, as well as how to maintain an attractive presence online.

Wilson currently meets with clients in person with online sessions scheduled to begin in the spring.