When you meet someone for the first time, it takes about 2 to 3 seconds for them to form a first impression about you. Within the next 4 minutes, the impression becomes an opinion which is primarily based on your appearance, body language, demeanor, and mannerisms.
Most often than not, first impressions are irreversible and they set the tone for the relationship that follows. Either in your social life or career, creating great and lasting first impressions is undeniably important. Here are 7 tips that would help boost your image.
Don’t be late. The person you are meeting for the first time is really not interested in your excuse for being late. Allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic. Plan to arrive a few minutes early. It’s always better to arrive hours before your appointment than to be late. Many instances have occurred when people who arrived late for an interview or appointment and got turned down.
Have you heard the story of the guy who got a job because his appearance was acceptable? Well it’s true, and believe it or not, it works! When meeting someone for the first time, your appearance is the only picture of the kind of person you are. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
Body language as well as appearances speaks louder than words. Be open and confident, stand tall, greet with a firm handshake, smile (it goes a long way), and make eye contact. We all have nervous ticks which seem to erupt when we are eager to impress. It will help a great deal if you identify yours and try to keep it under check.
Be yourself and be at ease. When you exude confidence, the other person would feel relaxed and take to you immediately. Remind yourself about your good qualities and why you should get the other persons approval. In doing so, be a hundred and one percent yourself. It’s better to be the original you than a fake someone else.
Be on your best behavior. Good manners and polite behavior help make good first impressions. Anything less could ruin your chances of projecting an acceptable image. A grave mistake many people make is not switching off their cell phones. At worst put it on silent. A ringing cell phone is a sign of disrespect (even if you excuse yourself to answer it). The person you are with deserves your undivided attention.
Try creating small talk. Try preparing questions for the person you are meeting beforehand. For instance, the person’s likes and dislikes, or similarities between both of you.
Project a positive attitude even in the face of criticism and nervousness. Remember the other person would be watching you closely in a bid to form an impression. Your attitude shows in everything you do so keep that smile on because “when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you!”
