How to make a good first impression

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Be it consciously or unconsciously, we make judgments about a person’s professionalism, personality and competence when we meet them for the first time.

When meeting with potential business partners, clients, actors, people in the film industry and personal acquaintances, I evaluate them on our first-time encounter. I am also very aware that others will judge me or my business by how I conduct myself.

I have found that the best way to make a positive first impression, is to simply embrace common sense. It amazes me how people overlook the importance of poise and professionalism and just a few common courtesies really will help you make a positive impression when you meet someone for the first time.

Here are a few simple tips that I have found really make a difference: 

"BE THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU WANT TO MEET."

Prepare ahead of time. Preparation reduces anxiety and will help you show more authority. If you take the time to do your research, you’ll have an enormous advantage over others.

Before meeting with a person, learn everything you can about them and anything unique about the way they approach life and their business. Familiarise yourself with the industry they work in and brush up on current events. Visit the company or persons website or social media accounts to learn more about their past, who they have collaborated with or who they are currently working with and any recent news updates. When you take the time to prepare, you’ll appear interesting and knowledgeable — two qualities that help make a good impression.

Find out who will  be in attendance.  This is particularly important if you are attending an event or a networking meet up but can also be useful if attending a meeting, and interview or an audition. Go above and beyond, reach out to the organiser to learn who will be in attendance. If the event is listed on Social Media you can also do your own research by looking at the profiles of those who have clicked "attending" or those who are commenting.

Try to memorise each person’s name and what they do, so you’ll be able to address everyone directly. Log onto LinkedIn and learn more about each person and their background, as well as hobbies and interests. If you find you have something in common, use it as a way to break the ice with a little small talk before you move on to business.

Arrive a few minutes early.  It’s so important to be punctual. By simply arriving on time you instantly send the clear message that you’re responsible and respectful of others’ time. Those few extra minutes will give you the opportunity to go to the restroom, check your appearance, grab a drink from the bar or a coffee and gain your composure.

I find that scheduling extra time on my calendar to account for travel, weather and finding a parking spot really helps and makes all the difference.

Suit up and dress for success.  I can't stress how important this is! Yeh, I hear you... "Julie, you can't go around judging a book by it's cover", let me stop you right there. Your professional appearance enhances your personal brand. The more “put together” your appearance is, the more likely you will leave a positive impression. You don’t have to splurge or buy expensive designer clothes to look your best, however if you do like "labels" I know for a fact you can find them at your local second hand clothing store for absolute bargain price tags (one of my favourite weekend activities).

Invest in some simple classic pieces to create the foundation of your wardrobe. Always dress for the person or group you are meeting's comfort, not yours. There will be some occasions that call for a more creative approach, for example, It’s okay to show more of your personal style if you work within an artistic industry or when you meet with a group of designers for example, Just make sure that your clothes are ironed, clean and fresh and that your personal hygiene is in check. Lastly, Be sure your wardrobe consists of clothes that fit and flatter your body shape.

Give a firm handshake.  We have all experienced a bad handshake, you know the sweaty ones, the weak ones, the ones that almost break your hand, the ones that go WAY to long and then the non-existent ones. Did you know In most cultures, a good handshake says a lot about you and is imperative to your first impression. So what is a good handshake? In my opinion, your handshake should be warm, friendly and sincere. If it is too firm or too weak, you may convey a negative impression.

If you’re seated when you’re introduced to someone, stand before you shake his or her hand — it shows respect for yourself and the person you’re meeting. Remember to keep it short and sweet; many people will become uneasy if a handshake lasts for more than a few seconds. Lastly, be sure to smile and make eye contact as you shake hands.

"Individuals make impressions and judgements about people very quickly, very easily, and with very minimal information. And once those judgements are made, they tend to be hard to undo. They're quite sticky." - Dr. Vivian Zayas

Listen effectively.  Attentive listening builds trust and we should all remember from primary school the teacher saying "ok its time to turn on your ears and use your listening skills". When engaging with or meeting with anyone, ask pertinent questions. When someone else speaks, make eye contact and show you’re fully engaged in what they are saying. Always allow others time to fully express themselves. If you interrupt or attempt to finish someone’s sentence, they will think you’re in a hurry or that you simply don’t respect their opinion. Developing and practicing effective listening skills will help you establish rapport with new clients and business partners.

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”

Ditch your ugly grumpy face. As you’ve learned already, having a negative aura and mindset carries with it a number of risks. Turning this around, this next tip makes explicit the importance of being someone who smiles more than frowns. I don't know about you but if I see someone who looks like they "just don't want to be there" I avoid them like the plague. For example, have you ever lined up at say the bank, or the post office and while waiting assess and judge how the person behind the counter is interacting with the customers before you, There is always one "Bitch face" and the little voice in your head just screams "please don't let me get her".

Having a pleasant look on your face instead of a growl communicates to the outside world that you’re a genuinely nice person. This, in turn, makes you seem more approachable to others, adding to your positive impression goals. Did you know as a huge added bonus that a pleasant facial expression can also pay off in the beauty department resulting in developing fewer frown lines. As Coco Chanel once said, “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”

#actingpure #impression #professionalism