Today July 10th is Smile Power Day

Most of the really successful people I have ever known in life understand the power of a smile – and they use it! Generously! Heidi Richards Mooney

I was so excited to see that there is actually a day dedicated to Smile Power. I have one problem with it though. EVERY DAY SHOULD BE SMILE POWER DAY!

Having said that, at least we have a day to raise awareness of the smile, the sheer power a smile has in business and in life. Could it be that the SMILE is the true key to success?

And  in case you’ve ever doubted the power of smiling, did you know that it takes twice as many muscles to frown as it does to smile? Smiling, like laughter is universal.  Everyone smiles in the same language!  Smiles make an ordinary person extraordinary.   Smiling is the most recognized form of beauty, friendship, acceptance. and goodwill. Smiles have been attributed with lowering the blood pressure of everyone who sees it. In fact, there have been studies done that “prove” smiling can even lengthen your life.

If these were not enough reasons to smile, there’s another one…  Smiling is 100% free!

Smiles actually made one man famous and spread like wildfire around the globe. I’m talking about those yellow “happy face” or “smiley face” icons that became popular in late 1960’s.  The smiley face was created by  Harvey R. Ball, who co-owned an advertising and public relations firm. He designed the HAPPY SMILEY FACE in 1963 to boost the morale of workers in two recently merged insurance companies.  Harvey Ball was paid $45 for his artwork by State Mutual Life Assurance Companies of America.

Here’ssome Smiley Face Trivia:

In the late 1960’s, N.G. Slater Corporation began making yellow and black smiley face pins that quickly became a hit with the public. 

 During the 1970s, the yellow SMILEY FACE became a universal symbol of happiness and good cheer appealing to all ages.  

In the beginning the smiley face design was solo it was later accompanied by the phrase  “Have a nice day!” 

In 1971 ( At its peak of popularity ), more than 50 million SMILEY FACE buttons were sold. 

The Smiley Face has been used in countless advertising, marketing  and public relations campaigns, most recently by the discount chain store, Wal-Mart.  

 In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service issued a SMILEY FACE postage stamp in the “1970s Celebrate the Century” set.

So today, why not have a Smile Contest? Or simply hand out Smiley Buttons to everyone you encounter. Better yet, give them a genuine SMILE. Chances are, you’ll get one in return.

If you need a little inspiration, here’s a great video I found called  – Gift of a Smile http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/gift-of-a-smile/13058646

And my favorite is SMILE with Michael Jackson at http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/smile-michael-jackson/20453714. I thought it appropriate to share the King of Pop’s rendition of SMILE. It will make you laugh AND may even bring a tear to your eye.  And it will certainly bring home the POWER OF A SMILE!

And then there’s this YouTube video that showcases smiley faces beautifully!

 

And finally, here’s a few SMILE POWER Articles I recommend you check out:

Check out The International Smile Power Organization

Service With a Smile: Tips for Developing a Sustainable Competitive Advantage 

What makes a Great Smile?

check out these exercises for a more beautiful smile:

Telephone Answering Tips – Putting Your Best Smile Forward!

“Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.” 
~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.