Making a Good First Impression

Kekich Credo #46 - First impressions are lasting impressions. Put your best foot forward. People treat you like you teach them to treat you. A success key is positioning yourself at the top of their agenda.

First impressions are the almost-instant conclusions we draw when meeting someone for the first time and these first impressions last a long time. We form this opinion of someone by quickly taking in formation about a person. 

It is human nature to make a judgement about someone when you first meet them. But did you know that people can formulate an opinion about you in less than 20 seconds. Your face, your dress, your posture and your tone of voice can make or break an opportunity.

A warm smile and the ability to give sincere compliments can go a long way in endearing yourself to others. Your body language, making eye contact, and your ability to listen to others all make you a great communicator. Making a positive first impression goes a long way to positioning yourself at the top of their agenda.  Make them remember you for the good impression you made. 

 

How can you create a good first impression?  Be on time.  Someone you are meeting for the first time will not be interested in your ‘good excuse’ for running late. 

Present yourself appropriately.  First of all, think about the way you dress. What is the appropriate dress code for the occasion and what will the person you are going to meet likely wear? For business and social meetings, appropriate dress varies between countries and culture, so you should pay attention to this when in an unfamiliar setting or country. 

Be yourself.  The best way to create a good impression is by being yourself.  Don’t pretend to be someone you are not.  When you are your authentic self, you will feel more confident and it will help you to build trust and earn the respect from the people you meet.  

Have a Winning Smile!  A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease.  Don’t go overboard with this though.  If you take this too far it can seem insincere.

Be open and confident. Your body language can speak louder than words.  Stand tall, make eye contact, smile, and greet with a firm handshake if it is appropriate to shake hands. All this will help project confidence and encourage both you and the other person to feel more at ease.  

Use small talk. Prepare some questions to ask the person you are meeting and remember to listen to their answers and not what you might say about this topic. Take a few minutes to learn something about them and find out if you have anything in common with them.

Be positive. Even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness, project a positive attitude. Show that you are approachable by maintaining an upbeat manner and smiling! 

Be courteous and attentive.  Good manners and polite, attentive and courteous behaviour help make a good first impression.  Set aside any distractions.  Turn off your mobile phone so you can give the person your full attention. Don’t get sidetracked by other people. If you show you are more interested in talking to someone else, you will likely make your new acquaintance feel unimportant or even irritated.  

You only have just a few seconds to make a good first impression.  It is worth giving each new encounter your best shot.

# living life abundantly    # published author