A first impression can stay with you for a long time, and rectifying a bad impression is difficult, which makes it important to get the first one right. With the recent trend in remote office work, we are beginning to see a lot of people choosing where they want to live, offering more and more opportunities for first impressions. The following are five tips to make a good first impression, no matter the setting.
1. Timeliness
It’s not cool to be late, especially if the person you’re meeting doesn’t know you. Sure, your friends will probably let it slide and may even make jokes about it because they know you. Strangers don’t know you, and most people hate waiting even if it is one minute.
You have probably waited for something many times in your life, so you can remember how long five minutes feels when you’re waiting. If you want to make a good impression, make sure you’re there on time. Remember that you never know what could happen en route, so it’s best to get there a little early so that you’ll be there on time, no matter what happens.
2. Hygiene Matters
The next thing you have to pay attention to is your hygiene. No one is saying you have to look perfect. Maybe you like a disheveled look, but be sure to address the basics. For example, if you like your hair to look messy, that’s okay as long as it doesn’t look dirty. You also want to pay close attention to your smile. If you want to enhance your smile, check out the professional dental clinic in North Eastham.
People base what they think about a person on their smile, so make sure you smile often and as naturally as possible. You may also want to smell good in your first meeting. If you don’t normally use or wear cologne, then it’s a good idea to get a few samples like Creed Aventus Sample, getting samples is a good way to save a little money and experiment with different scents. You can buy nail wraps so your nails look nice as well. A professional manicure is not necessary, but your nails should look clean and neatly trimmed.
3. Be Yourself
You will have to engage in some small talk, and you probably won’t be able to talk about things that are too personal when you meet someone, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be yourself. The last thing you want to do is pretend you’re someone you’re not.
Being yourself gives you more confidence because you know how to act. People are quite perceptive and might be able to tell that you’re not being genuine. They might not know what you’re lying about, but if you don’t seem authentic, you probably won’t make a good impression.
4. Attentiveness Works
You’re going to be nervous. There’s no doubt about that, and it’ll be hard to be attentive at times, but you must do so. People want to feel like they matter to you, and if you aren’t attentive, then folks might feel like you don’t value them as people. What you want to do is practice active listening, and be sure you master it.
This means you will pay attention to what is said and that you’ll reply in a constructive way that shows you paid attention. Build on what this person told you even if it’s not interesting. If the person tells you the weather is nice, then tell this person what this beautiful day reminds you of.
5. Focus on Courtesy
A little courtesy goes a long way when you’re meeting someone. There are a lot of ways to be rude, like paying attention to others instead of the person you’re meeting. In today’s world, you might make the mistake of keeping your phone on during the conversation.
You could even make a show of this person’s importance. To do this, when he or she arrives, put your phone on silent. Casually let this person know that you are doing this so that they don’t think you were just checking an email or text message. In essence, try to treat this person the same way you’d like to be treated, and you’ll have a great meeting.
Making a good first impression in any setting is as easy as following these five suggestions. Try to practice with friends or family members if you don’t feel totally comfortable, and make it a point to meet more new people to master this skill.
