Make A Good First Impression

Making a good first impression is important for building relationships with other people. In business, a positive 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.
business firstThe other party might not want to do business with you -- it is part of the game, after all -- but it shouldn't be because you present yourself as a brute and make 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, 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. Most of the time, these people follow a few basic rules that make their first impression a strong one. I've compiled a quick list of six easy tips you can use to make a strong first impression, each and every time.
first impression tips
Dress to impressWe'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 is to 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.
Speak clearlyI cannot emphasize this point enough. Be sure to communicate clearly with the people you are meeting. Few things are more annoying 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.

Use the person's name frequentlyTake a minute to think of some of the people you met recently. If you encountered someone who used your name from the get-go, you will likely agree that it made the conversation much more personal.Furthermore, it shows the other person that you were paying attention from the very beginning and that you give them enough importance to memorize their name. A bonus is that by using their name immediately, you will be more likely to remember it and impress them even more should you run into them a second time.
Avoid jokesHumor is generally a good thing -- if used prudently. A light crack or simple joke can do wonders to lighten the atmosphere and set the mood for a gathering. Unfortunately, if you are not careful and crack an off-color joke, the effect will be the opposite. 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, go with something short and conservative so as to not offend anyone. You don't want to be remembered as "that offensive fellow."
Be a good listenerBeing a good listener is not as complicated as most people think it is. 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. Finally, 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.
Let the other person be the center of attentionPerhaps 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 who could help others further their business. Ask the other person about himself 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 future.