Creating an Unforgettable First Impression

To sign profitable deals and win giant clients in the business world you would need to develop your skills for making the kind of first impression that wins potential clients, customers and partners at business meetings or appointments. And in most cases you have less than five seconds to be assessed. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

These first impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo especially after the deal is lost or transaction aborted. Therefore we will be exploring some useful hints that will help you along this line.

Pass the Punctuality test

There is no excuse for running late when meeting a first-time business prospect. Plan to arrive five minutes earlier. If the place of appointment is 15 minutes away from your location, add another 5 minutes for contingency purposes. Arriving early is far better than arriving late when trying to create a great first impression.

Relax and Be Yourself

If you are feeling uncomfortable and on edge, this can make the other person to feel uneasy and that’s a sure way to create a wrong impression. If you are calm and confident, so the other person will feel more at ease, you are sure to create a solid foundation for making that first impression a good one. One way to calm yourself when you’re about to get in front of an important ‘stranger’ is to spend a few minutes earlier consciously visualizing the person as pleasant.

Don’t Misrepresent Yourself

The person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to assess you. But it certainly does not mean you need to look like a model to create a strong and positive first impression. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So the “picture” you first present says much about you to the person you are meeting. Is your appearance saying the right things to help create the right first impression?

Start with the way you dress. What is the appropriate dress for the meeting or occasion? In a business setting, what is the appropriate business attire? Suit, blazer, casual? And ask yourself what the person you'll be meeting is likely to wear. If your contact is in advertising or the music industry, a business suit may not strike the right note! Also, a good haircut, clean shave, modest make up are few things that can make your grooming appropriate and help you feel more confident.

A Winning Smile!

Somebody once said, “Smile and the world smiles too.” So there’s nothing like a smile to create a good first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. So smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions. But don't go overboard with this - people who take this too far can obviously appear insincere.

Be Courteous And Attentive

Good manners and a courteous behavior would help to make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one chance you have at making that first impression. So be on your best behavior! One modern manner worth mentioning is to turn off your mobile phone. Your new acquaintance deserves 100% of your attention. Anything less and you’ll create a less than good first impression.

Be Open and Confident

When it comes to making the first impression, body language as well as appearance speaks much louder than words. Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance. Stand tall, smile (of course), make eye contact, greet with a firm handshake. All of this will help you project confidence and encourage both you and the other person to feel better at ease.

Strike Amusing conversations

Conversations are based on verbal give and take. It may help you to prepare questions you have for the person you are meeting for the first time beforehand. Or, take a few minutes to learn something about the person you meet for the first time before you get together. For instance, does he play chess? Does she love children?
Is there anything that you know of that you have in common with the person you are meeting? If so, this can be a great way to open the conversation and to keep it flowing.

Be Positive

Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately, maintaining an upbeat manner and a smile.
Most importantly, commit everything into the hands of God and know that there will be no regrets if you know you did your best. With the above tips you can be sure that the big business breaks you desire will soon become a reality.