Years ago I was told that there are two types of people in life: pot fillers and pot drillers. The first are the positive, ‘can do' individuals who leave you fired up and brimming with energy and enthusiasm. They fill your pot. The others are the ‘can't do' people, whose defeatist attitude saps your energy and leaves you deflated – and your pot empty.
Getting a reputation as a pot filler can do wonders for your business – people will be drawn to your affirmative attitude like moths to a flame. Get known as a pot driller, though, and you'll find it hard to get a look-in.
So which one are you?
A good way to find out is to delve into the emails in your ‘sent items' box. Read the language you’ve used – even if it's just a short note – and imagine you're the recipient. Are you filling or drilling?
The pot driller says: ‘I can't get the report to you until next week.'
The pot filler says: ‘I can get the report to you next week.'
The pot driller says: ‘I can't do Friday.'
The pot filler says: ‘I can do any day from Monday to Thursday.'
The pot driller says: ‘Don't hesitate to contact me.'
The pot filler says: ‘Get in touch if you have any questions.'
The meanings of the words are essentially the same, but the pot fillers’ language projects a positivity that, through regular use, becomes synonymous with their personal brand.
It’s not just with the written word you can have an impact though. What do you say when you’re passed in the corridor and asked, “Hi, how are you?”
Do you answer with a negative “Not too bad,” a middle of the road “Fine thanks,” or a smile-inducing, “I'm having a great day thanks”?
So the next time you're typing an email, or talking on the phone, take a couple of seconds to think about what you’re saying and be sure to emphasise the positive and, along with it, your personal brand!
