Ever heard the saying, "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression"?
Yea, first impression matters. Imagine meeting some important people and your first impression is bad, it could haunt you for some time. People make judgement of other people all the time especially at the first meet. Even you, whenever you meet someone for the first time, you unconsciously come to conclusions on whether you like or dislike that person. The first impression you get from that person causes this and vice versa.
The first impression you give out makes a person decide whether you can be trusted or not, or whether you deserve to be respected. A good first impression makes people want to spend more time with you. So you see, it's important that you make the right first impression always.
So how do you make the right first impression?
Engage in small talk
When you meet a person for the first time, it is usually advisable that you engage in some small talk. This allows the person some time to have an opinion about you.
Preparation
This is important. Imagine you have a planned meeting for example an interview, it is a good idea to learn about the interviewer. This will help you be more relaxed and make the interview trust you more because you've taken out time to learn about him/her.
It also shows that you're a serious and competent person.
Body language
The way you approach a person matters. If you're lackadaisical about the whole thing, it shows in your body language and this can send the wrong signals to the person you're meeting.
Listen first, then speak
Try to listen first, then speak. If you allow the other person to speak first, you show that you care about his or her thoughts and opinions. If you speak first it can be a sign of control, which can lead to mistrust. Listening allows you comport yourself, it gives you more confidence. If you do have to speak first, try to start with a question. Then listen.
It is important you know how to make positive first time impressions especially if you're in the business world. There are many opportunities you can seize just by impressing on the minds of certain people.
Learn these tips today, implement them so you can succeed.
