How to Make a Good First Impression

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Whether you’re attending a business meeting, an interview, or just a party, it’s important to make a good first impression. You never know where you’ll meet a potential business connection, a client, or a good friend, so making sure you stand out in a good way to everyone you meet is a worthy use of your time. Want to learn everything you should know to make a good first impression? Read on below.

Be positive and confident

The first and most important thing to remember to make a good first impression is to be positive and confident. People typically like those who are confident in themselves and uplift those around them, so put on a smile. When using humor, be sure that your jokes lift others up instead of demeaning others or yourself.

Be interested in others

Do you have trouble making small talk and carrying a conversation? The easiest way to improve is to find genuine interest in the lives of those you’re talking to. As said by Dale Carnegie, the author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Take some time to learn something about anyone you meet. Not only will it help you to remember them better in a future encounter, but it will also shift the focus of the conversation away from you and make you seem less self-centered and more interested in those around you.

Dress the part

Whether making a first impression with a potential client, potential employer, or anyone else, it’s especially important to dress the part. Your clothing choices can send signals about you, as the way someone takes care of themself is often indicative of the way they take care of their business and other matters.

This tip doesn’t mean you always need to wear a jacket and tie. There’s a time and place for different kinds of attire, and being drastically overdressed can send the wrong message, just like being underdressed. Before going to a social or business event, make sure you know what the dress code is so you can look your best.

Follow up

As goes the often-repeated maxim, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” While this may be true, the best way to improve upon your first impression is to follow up with the next impression.

You can never get another first impression after meeting someone once, but remember that you will have other chances to make an impression. Follow up a sales meeting or interview with a friendly email or phone call, conveying your respect for the person and gratitude for their time.

Be yourself!

When meeting people for the first time, always remember to just be yourself. Making a good first impression by pretending to be something you’re not will never pay off in the end, as the facade will fade when people really get to know you.

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