MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

Be it face-to-face, over the phone, via fax, e-mail or videoconference, 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. Thus, it's very important to come across in a positive light, especially the first time around.

Still, there exist so many people in business and everyday life that seem to be clueless as to the importance of making a good first impression. Hence, there is no concrete excuse for blowing a first business meeting with someone.

Here is a consice list of six easy tips you can use to make a strong first impression, each and every time:

Dress to impress

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 clearly

Be sure to communicate clearly with the people you are meeting. 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. If people can't comprehend what you are saying, they will disregard you and your organization. Likewise, be polite and courteous at all times.

Use the person's name frequently

This 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.

If you encountered someone who used your name from the get-go, you will likely agree that it made the conversation much more personal.

Avoid jokes

Humor is 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. Somehow, it can have negative effects, if it doesn't fit the occasion.

Hence, avoiding jokes on the first encounter is ideal. But, 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 listener

Being 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 if you are unsure of what the other person is trying to communicate.

Don't 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 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 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.

Knock their socks off

Follow these six simple tips and you will make your way into the PDA of every person you meet.


Source: www.askmen.com
2007 Shaques Publishing Inc.