How to use eye contact body language for success in business?

Focused eye contact display confidence on your part, it also helps you understand what the other person is really saying verbally. Eye contact is one of the most important communication tools we own. This article helps you learn some basic eye contact netiquettes and tips for success in business or at your work space.

Body Language is therefore very relevant to management and leadership, and to all aspects of work and business where communications can be seen and physically observed among people.
To improve body language and begin to project an open presence, the key is eye contact.

Tips to use eye contact body language effectively in business:

By using direct eye contact when interacting with others one can change the way people view them. When people begin to speak directly into a person’s eyes they are seen as confident, trustworthy, and skilled. Maintaining eye contact when talking (or listening) to someone gives an impression that you/they are confident and honest. Making little eye contact can say that the other person doesn’t like you, is nervous or shy, or perhaps believe that they are higher in status and think that eye contact isn’t necessary.

Looking someone in the eye as you meet and talk with him/her also shows you are paying attention. Listening is the most important human relations skill, and good eye contact plays a large part in conveying our interest in others. Someone looking at you non-stop is stressful and in these situations you should throw your hands around a bit more or point to brochures and objects to distract them.

Staring is basically seen as an aggressive act and can also be interpreted as being unbalanced. If talking to people outdoors, avoid wearing sunglasses as this can be very uncomfortable for the other person and can give an image of trying to hide your identity (a shifty salesman, for example). In addition, try to blink as less as possible as this can make it difficult for the other person to understand you (due to being distracted). Blinking less also gives an image of confidence. When to look Begin as soon as you engage someone in a conversation. However, you may wish to start even earlier if you are trying to get someone's attention. Continue it throughout the conversation.

Be sure to maintain direct eye contact as you are saying "good-bye." It will help leave a positive, powerful lasting impression. Where to look Imagine an inverted triangle in your face with the base of it just above your eyes. The other two sides descend from it and come to a point between your nose and your lips. That's the suggested area to "look at" during business conversations. Socially, the point of the triangle drops to include the chin and neck areas. When people look you "up and down," it's probably more than business or a casual social situation they have in mind!

 How long to look?: it should be about 80 - 90 percent of the time. Less than that can be interpreted as discomfort, evasiveness, lack of confidence or boredom. When you stare longer, it can be construed as being too direct, dominant or forceful and make the other person uncomfortable. It's okay to glance down occasionally as long as your gaze returns quickly to the other person.
Avoid looking over the other person's shoulders as if you were seeking out someone more interesting to talk with. try to recognize other people’s body language. By doing so, it could mean that they are/aren’t interested or that they feel threatened by your presence: in which case you can change your body language to make them feel more at ease

 Source: www.sideroad.com/Business_Etiquette

Useful links:

 * 6 ways to dramatically improve your eye contact skills
* Simple Guide to Good Eye Contact 
* Using eye contact for sales, Self Development for Sales People