We all know how crucial first impressions are and how they can set the tone for your relationship with someone.
So it’s important to know that everything from a weak handshake and poor conversational skills to having the most charming personality and saying all the right things can have a significant impact on the people you meet and your business interaction with them.
Happily, there are strategies you can employ to make that first contact really impressive to ensure you have impact when you meet with people.
Pay attention to people
Paying attention to people tells them that that you are interested in what they are saying and that you are actually listening to them. It’s also wise to pay attention to things they don’t say verbally, but reveal physically… their body language. This can give you cues about how they are responding to your interaction.
Remember their names and stories
Remembering someone’s name and their story can mean a lot to them — especially if some time has passed since you last met. Doing this can also have quite an impact on them because it can show that they had an impact on you.
Make eye contact
Looking people in the eye while you speak to them tells people that you are giving them your full, undivided attention and that you are engaged in the conversation.
Look the part
Looking professional can go a long way in having an impact on the person/people you’re meeting because it shows how seriously you take your job and business matters.
Straighten your posture
While having good posture may not be your natural state, having it while you’re in a meeting with someone is very important because it gives the impression of professional confidence.
Adjust your attitude
People can pick up on your attitude as easily as they pick up their cup of coffee. Adjusting your attitude before a meeting can have a real impact on the situation and the person you’re meeting.
So even if you are having a bad day, just remember that being angry, sulky or passive-aggressive will seem unprofessional.
Do your research and prepare
Researching and preparing for a meeting, such as a job interview or a pitch to a client, is very important and shows that you took the time and effort to learn about them, and that you’re interested in what they do. Andf of course, it means you are much better backgrounded for the business discussion.
Follow-up and follow-through
Following up and following through on things that you say you will, goes a long way in impressing and having an impact because it will show how serious you are – and how accomplished.
End things on a good note
When leaving a meeting, no matter how formal or informal it may be, always leave it on a good note. The way you leave a conversation is just as important as the way you entered it. Doing this can also have an impact on how well they remember you in the future.
