Fix body language

what is specific about body language in uk?

i came to the uk to work in b2b sales and am hearing that am not a typical sales guy and my body language is limited. what can that be? is this related to the english hypocritical showing emotions that they dont feel and that english people like bulshiting each other that way, and i may be too real in my body language?

Public Comments

1. you think people in the UK have a different body?
2. Sounds like you have a bad attitude and this is coming across in your human interactions. Learn to love the people you work, listen and watch carefully how they use body langauge and try to mimic them, this is gives a strong message that you accept and respect them. Otherwise return home where you can understand and feel better about the people you deal with.
3. Could it mean that your body language is that of a cardboard cut out/drone like? To get anywhere in sales you need to BS your way to the top, if you can't manage that then can I suggest you go home!
4. You seem to be on the defensive which will not be good for someone in sales who needs to show trust-worthiness, honesty and confidence through body language. Maybe the way you were told has left you bitter, resentful and twisted.
5. Be yourself. you will naturally pick up English culture and body language. If you try to copy people generally it can look a little strange. You will have some cultural emotions etc of your own. Other people will also unawaredly learn these over time. After 6 months you will be amazed how much you pick up without realising. Of course there is negative body language and rude body language that you need to avoid. . such as If on the sales floor I wouldn't stand with my hands in my pockets or lean on a work surface. but at home or in the company of friends this would be more acceptable. Dont worry about it Be yourself
6. With your appalling attitude and command of the English language I feel that you may be happier at home. I don't think many tears will be shed if you should decide to leave us. Accept your shortcomings as a salesman and stop trying to blame others for them.
7. As a partner in a small business, a great deal of my business involves b2b sales, and from my experience there is one thing I can tell you about people in the UK, they don't appreciate the "hard sell" approach. In contrast to the aggressive sales pitch common in countries such as the US, people in the UK tend to be more reserved. Relax, work on appearing open and honest, someone with whom they can build a relationship of trust; of course efficiency and enthusiasm are always welcome, but be careful that your enthusiasm doesn't come across as aggression. It's not about portraying emotions that you don't feel (most folk will see straight through that), but operating on a much more subtle level. Remember sales in the UK is more often than not a game of seduction; you just obviously haven't learned the rules yet.
8. it could be the fact that your sh/t at your job and your just looking for an excuse.
9. You don't say where you are from, which would be helpful... Well, us Brits tend to shake hands, but that's about it in terms of touchy feely - we don't do all that back slapping like the Americans. We certainly do not do the kissing on the cheeks like the mediterraneans either. Try and make eye contact, that is very important. Have you ever heard of the technique 'mirroring'? It's when you reflect back the body language that you are receiving and it makes the person more at ease... e.g if they cross their leg, you cross your leg... Try this at home perhaps by watching a TV interview or chat show, see if it feels comfortable to you.
10. Try to learn how to read body language then you will access how to approach each person individually. Mind you, you are the seller not the buyer hence its important that you understand the person you are dealing with. " when you go to Rome....." get the drift.
11. There is nothing specific. If you sit with your arms folded and legs crossed then that signified you are a closed person. If you can't look someone in the eye you can appear untrustworthy and equally if you stare too much at someone you can appear over aggressive. It can be a cultural thing but its not about being hypocritical or pretending to be something you are not. It about how you look and what you say sending the same message. If you body language is limited it may be contradicting what you are saying.
12. Am only guessing that you might be from the States - if I am correct then I can understand why you might be having a problem..... my experience has shown me that America generally has two types of salesman: the over-jolly 'your best friend'-type, or the type who seems to think they 'have God ' on their side, in other words over-polite and over-smart (I do mean dress and attitude!). Both these types will put us British on the defensive for much the same type of reasons - 'he/she's over friendly - so they think I am too stupid to work it out and they will get one over on me'..... As soon as we think that we won't give you the time of day. I know we British have a reputation for being extremely reserved and walk around with faces that look like a constipated dog's bottom - but I promise you this is absolutely not true! (well not for most of us!!) To get on with the British you need to be relaxed in yourself, comfortable with yourself, not pushy with us and be genuine and honest - we're very good as smelling a rat at a hundred paces!!! Your body language should reflect this - a slightly looser knot in your tie, the collar of your shirt doesn't have to look like it's strangling you, your hair really doesn't need brilliantine and you don't have to give us your biggest and bestest smile all the time! Hope the above helps!