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Tips On Making A Good First Impression
Making a good first impression is important for building relationships with other people. In business, a good first impression is crucial for forging profitable, sustainable, long-term partnerships to help build the business and keep it thriving.
Why is it then, that I meet so many people (in business and everyday life) that seem to be clueless as to the importance of making a good first impression? Whether intentional or not, there is no excuse for blowing a first business meeting with someone.
always business first
Perhaps the other party will not want to do business with you -- it is part of the game after all -- but it should have nothing to do with presenting yourself as a brute and making your organization look like a horde of cavemen.
Be it face-to-face, over the phone, via fax, e-mail or videoconference, it is very important to come across in a positive light with those you are doing business with, especially the first time around.
We've all met people that we instantly "like" and want to get to know more, or do business with for that matter. Most of the time these people are following a few basic rules that make their first impression a strong one. What I've done is compile a quick list of six easy tips you can use to make a strong first impression, each and every time.
6 successful tips
6. Dress to impress
Of course we've all heard this old saying, but it does hold a good amount of truth. Although today's business environment is much more casual than it was even 10 years ago, it is still important to dress the part.
The key here is to dress modestly and appropriately for the gathering you will be attending. There is no need to wear the latest Brioni suit, but do make sure that your clothing is clean and fits well. The last thing you want to do is give off a negative impression before you even open your mouth. If you look sloppy, people will assume that you and your business are sloppy as well.
5. Speak clearly
I cannot emphasize this point enough. Be sure to communicate clearly with the people you are meeting. Few things are more annoying or detrimental than having to listen to someone without understanding what they are saying because they garble their words.
Focus on speaking at a moderate pace, with a well-modulated voice. Do not be afraid to enunciate properly. Also, using proper grammar when speaking and avoiding slang is expected if you are to make a good first impression. Remember, if people can't comprehend what you are saying, they will disregard you and your organization. Furthermore, be polite and courteous at all times.
4. Use the person's name frequently
Take a minute to think of some of the people you have met recently. If you've met someone that uses your name from the get-go, you will agree that it helps make the conversation much more personal.
Furthermore, it shows the other person that you were paying attention from the very start of the meeting and give them enough importance to memorize their name. A bonus here is that by using their name immediately in the discussion you will be more likely to remember it and impress them even more should you run into them a second time. Everyone is flattered when remembered by others.
3. Watch it with the jokes
Humor is generally a good thing, if used prudently. A light crack or funny joke can do wonders to lighten the atmosphere and set the mood for a gathering. Unfortunately, if you are not careful and manage to crack an off-color joke, the effect will be the opposite of what you intend. You may end up facing a group of hostile people that have already put an "X" on you because of your poor choice of wit.
I suggest avoiding jokes on the first encounter. If you really must make a wisecrack, then go with something short and conservative so as to not offend anyone. You don't want to be remembered as "that offensive fellow."
2. Be a good listener
Being a good listener is not as complicated as most people think it to be. When having a discussion with someone, make sure to let him know, in a subtle manner, that you are paying attention to what is being said.
Don't be afraid to nod your head and chime in with the occasional "I see," or "I understand," or any other verbal cue that shows the other person that you are indeed listening attentively. Also, feel free to ask questions (preferably non-threatening ones) if you are unsure of what the other person is trying to communicate.
Also very important: do not interrupt when someone else is speaking. Interrupting someone in mid-sentence is extremely rude and will count as one strike against you in just about any social setting. Proper etiquette is suggested at all times.
1. Let the other person be the center of attention
Perhaps the most important tip to follow when making a first impression, is to avoid hogging the spotlight. Let the other person be the center of attention. The worst mistake you can make is talking incessantly about yourself. You will come off as a selfish person who is only interested in himself, rather than appearing as someone that could help others further their business.
Ask the other person about him and let him bask in the spotlight. You will not only appear to be gracious, but you will also learn more about the person you are dealing with. Pay close attention to the conversation; those little details may be useful in the near future.
Follow these six simple tips and you will make your way into the Palm Pilot of every person you meet.
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