Career Woman

Making your first impression count in the business world: 14 tactics

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This concise guide outlines how to make sure your first impression has impact in the business world.

Like it or not, there is an element of sexism in the business world. Most women have to work a little harder than men when it comes to making a good first impression. With a bit of luck, that’s something that will change during the next few years. Indeed, the situation is better today than at any point in the past. Still, you need to make an extra effort if you want the best results right now. That said, you don’t have to spend a fortune or forget your morals. Just take a look at some of the ideas on this page and see if they’re suitable for you. Regardless of the nature of your operation, these tips should help.

14 tips on how to make a good first impression

Want to know how to make a good first impression? Remember that a person’s first impression is powerful!

#1. Ask an interesting question and give authorative answers

Start by asking something that makes you start a unique conversation. Instead of asking “what do you do?” ask “what do you expect from this event?”, or what they think of a new idea you’ve had. People may not remember what you do, but they will remember having a unique conversation with you.

When you first meet a new client, they will have lots of questions about your business. For that reason, you should try to think of the most likely queries ahead of time. That way, you can plan your answers and make sure they sound as authoritative as possible. The people you meet will begin to feel confident in your abilities if you do that. They will feel more comfortable spending their cash because you’ll seem like someone who knows what they’re talking about. Ask other people working in your business if they can think of any questions someone might ask you too. With a bit of luck, that should help you to cover all the bases.

#2. Listen

Most people pitch their speech directly to the interlocutors. You will make a memorable and more positive impression if you allow the other person to speak first or if you ask an open-ended question and then listen carefully to the answer. The more the other person talks, the more you will seem like a good listener and good company. When you know how to listen, people will give you the same credit, and so they will listen to what you have to say.

#3. Ask what you can do to help

When meeting someone new, a great strategy is to quickly get a feel for what he or she does and then immediately look for ways to help that person. Ask something like “may I introduce you to so and so?” or “would it be helpful if I connected you with person x?”. Many people look to networking as a way to get things done.

By creating an approach based on giving things away to people, you will build great relationships with tons of amazing people as you go. As you introduce yourself, ask how you can help people achieve their goals.

#4. Give them a reason to remember you

One of the most important things you can do during the first 5 minutes of meeting someone is to give them something to remember about you.
At a business event , they might meet a lot of people, but when you make a strong, memorable first impression, your new acquaintance will remember the next time they meet you somewhere.

#5. Keep focused on quality at all times

Show a genuine interest in the conversation. Without that, you can’t make a good first impression. Write the name of the event on your business card and then within 24 hours follow up and follow up on the people and contacts you have made. Business cards will not guarantee customers at the end of the day, but they will ensure that you build strong connections and relationships.

#6. Ask what makes people lose sleep

Want to know how to make a good first impression? Ask everything but what they do. Networking events can end up in an elevator speech, or a long conversation. Break the cycle by asking about something unrelated to your business, and see where the conversation will take you.

#7. Remember people’s history

Corporate events are a great way to grow your professional network by meeting other professionals face-to-face. You never know who you’ll meet and how you might work together in the future. We get to meet amazing people at events, who have been extremely critical to our success. Remembering people’s stories is a great way to make a first impression.

#8. Clearly define what you do best

Get your elevator speech ready to go. Without this there is no way to make a good first impression. Try to make it interesting and deliver it with passion and authenticity. Be proud and excited about what you do and make your message clear and lucid enough.

#9. Tell a story

Be authentic and tell a story. Stories are the best way to create a metaphor and let other people understand what kind of thinker you are.

#10. Smile and look into their eyes

People make judgments within approximately 7 seconds of people meeting you. Most of all, people do it around the point where they start getting out of whack if you don’t stand up to them. Smiling at people and making sincere eye contact shows that you are cozy and interested in talking to them. These little gestures will set the stage for you to engage in meaningful conversation .

#11. Say the person’s name

Everyone loves to hear the sound of their own name and it helps form a connection. In fact, the sound of your name is the best sound you can hear.
Combine this with continuous eye-to-eye contact and a firm handshake, it creates a positive first impression. A person’s name sounds like music to your ears.

#12. Send an email

Not everyone wants their cards seen. Understand: if you want to know how to make a good impression, get up to speed! Instead of receiving business cards from people you’ve just met, do it differently. Pick up your phone and exchange your email addresses. After that, send a quick introductory email and that’s it. You are connected.

#13. Talk about your passions

Ask what people like, and share your likes. This can be as simple as asking what the person likes. This tends to catch people off guard and allows you to add a poetic tone to the conversation, and the point you like best in your work, or something outside of your work that could be a connection between you.

#14. Be interested

How to make a good impression? Make sure your appearance and behavior radiate health and energy. Remember: a person’s first impression is critical! Take a genuine interest in the people you meet. Ask questions about their tastes and aptitudes and try to find something you can compliment them on.

Your cards should make a good first impresssion

Business cards help all business owners to stand out from the crowd and make the right first impression. So, you need to get some as soon as possible. Thankfully, you don’t have to pay for the privilege these days if you’re smart. Some printing companies offer them for free if you’re willing to pay the cost of delivery. It’s a fantastic deal, and this is how Vista Prints works. Lots of similar specialists are offering the same service at the current time. So, you just need to search online until you find a reliable professional. Make sure your cards feature your company logo and contact details. Don’t try to put too much information on there because that’s counterproductive.

Always look the part

This tip is the same for both men and women, but I still wanted to mention it today. Looking the part is one of the best ways to make people think positively about you when you first meet. In the business world, that means you need to invest in a fitting suit or two. Make sure your tie is always straight if you wear one, and shine your shoes every morning. At the end of the day, nobody is going to trust someone who turns up to meetings dressed in a tracksuit. That shows a lack of respect, and it makes you look like a joke.

Creating a positive first impression isn’t as difficult as it might sound. You just need to follow the tips from this page and try to remain as confident as possible. There are lots of advice articles you could read online to improve your levels of confidence. However, in most instances, you just need to keep eye contact and look comfortable in the situation.

About Business Woman Media

Our women don’t want to settle for anything but the best. They understand that success is a journey involving personal growth, savvy optimism and the tenacity to be the best. We believe in pragmatism, having fun, hard-work and sharing inspiration. LinkedIn

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