THE saying "You only have one chance to make
a first impression" holds true in many situations, from job interviews
to sales calls. How can you make sure that you start off on the right
foot?
Here are some strategies to help ensure that others see the best in you from the beginning:
1. Prepare talking points.
Before meeting someone new, do your homework. Know who you’re meeting, what he cares about and what he might need from you.
2. Be aware of your body language. When meeting someone new, it’s normal to be nervous, but you don’t want your anxiety to show. Try power posing before the meeting to tamp down your cortisol levels. Take long strides. Sit up straight. Walk with your chest held high.
3. Play to your strengths. Collect a trusted cabinet of friends and colleagues who can help you understand how you come across to the world. Ask them what they see as your strengths, and then try to emphasise those things when you’re meeting someone new.
4. Find something in common. Build rapport by finding a bond or a point of commonality. This might require a bit of detective work on your part. Look for clues about things like a devotion for a certain sports team, a love for a region of the world or an admiration for a particular historical figure.
5. Follow up. Even when the conversation is over, your job isn’t done. To ensure that your first impression sticks, write a personalised note of sincere appreciation. The note should recap the conversation in a way that shows you’ve thought about it or learned some new insight from it.
(Adapted from "How to Make a Great First Impression" at HBR.org.)
Harvard Business Review
Here are some strategies to help ensure that others see the best in you from the beginning:
1. Prepare talking points.
Before meeting someone new, do your homework. Know who you’re meeting, what he cares about and what he might need from you.
2. Be aware of your body language. When meeting someone new, it’s normal to be nervous, but you don’t want your anxiety to show. Try power posing before the meeting to tamp down your cortisol levels. Take long strides. Sit up straight. Walk with your chest held high.
3. Play to your strengths. Collect a trusted cabinet of friends and colleagues who can help you understand how you come across to the world. Ask them what they see as your strengths, and then try to emphasise those things when you’re meeting someone new.
4. Find something in common. Build rapport by finding a bond or a point of commonality. This might require a bit of detective work on your part. Look for clues about things like a devotion for a certain sports team, a love for a region of the world or an admiration for a particular historical figure.
5. Follow up. Even when the conversation is over, your job isn’t done. To ensure that your first impression sticks, write a personalised note of sincere appreciation. The note should recap the conversation in a way that shows you’ve thought about it or learned some new insight from it.
(Adapted from "How to Make a Great First Impression" at HBR.org.)
Harvard Business Review
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