Is our first impression really that important? YES, it is….

I wish I could say that your first impression when you meet someone new isn’t so important. However, it is! You might not see that person ever again or maybe even months from the original meeting. You could miss out on an opportunity that you didn’t even know existed. 

Have you thought about what impression you want to leave someone after meeting you? 

 Do you want them to say, you are likable, approachable, credible, funny, helpful or I would like to get to know that person better?” 

“The next time they hear of you, you want them to think of positive things, not negative. People want to help others they like and would want others to meet. Building a broad professional network starts with your initial meeting. 

Here are 6 tips to help you make that great first impression:

Shaking hands:

 Make sure it is firm and you are catching the other’s person hand in the web between the thumb and forefinger. 

Making eye contact:

Making eye contact shows confidence. If you are uncomfortable with looking people in the eye, look in the space a little below their eyebrows in-between their eyes. 

Being introduced, what to say:

Simply say “Name, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Using the person’s name will help you remember it. Also, using someone’s name is a start in leaving a first great impression. 

If you are going to a networking event, you want to think about who you are meeting and what you want to say about yourself. You may need to be the first to speak, and you may need to speak without any preparation.

You can always tweak your introduction, but practice what you say so that you sound confident, succinct and authentic. If you are uncomfortable meeting new people, it would not hurt to practice “mock introductions” with friends.

Keeping the conversation going:

You want to learn about the other person first. “People often talk too much about themselves and do not do enough to draw others into the conversation. Draw in the other person by asking them questions – what they do for work, what do they like about the work they do – or if you are meeting them in a networking event, ask what brought them to this event.

Paying attention to your body language: 

Body language also plays a part in whether someone will approach you. Folded hands in front of your body reflects unhappiness and perhaps hostility, for example, but standing tall, smiling with good eye contact will make you approachable and during a conversation, will show your interest in the other person that hopefully they will reciprocate.

Following Up:

Make sure that if you want to follow up with the person ask for their contact information. You might want to send a quick note the next day expressing the pleasure of meeting them. If you decide to connect with them on LinkedIn, always send a personalized note referring to the event where you met and ideally a note as to why you want to stay connected.