Your Guide to a Great First Impression

Want to wow at your upcoming interview, presentation, or social event? These tips can help you make a fantastic first impression!

When you think of a good first impression, what comes to mind? Is it a winning smile? A strong handshake? An ironed shirt? These are all key components of impressing people upon first meeting them, but you shouldn’t stop with them. If you want to make your best first impression, keep these guidelines in mind.

• Look for ways to be likeable. People like others when they feel that those others like them. Work on your likeability. Smile warmly and offer a friendly handshake. When people share information, express genuine interest. If you can bring that topic up again and show that you remembered what they shared, all the better!
• Engage with your eyes. Eye contact is a powerful tool. Find the middle ground between avoiding someone’s eyes and staring at them, and you’ll seem more intelligent and trustworthy.
• Respect the power of representation. While your outfit probably won’t be the only factor that lands you that deal or job, it can help you or hurt you. People pay attention to non-verbal cues. When you look like you’ve put thought into your attire and grooming, you look like you’re on top of other areas of your life. Don’t just stop at finding the right blazer, though. Think about how your posture and facial expressions represent you. Slouching with your arms crossed isn’t going to send very many positive signals!

A strong first impression can help you grow your business, from helping you land a big deal to helping you attract the right staff. If you’d like to learn more about how to leverage your self-presentation for professional success, contact Mike Stromsoe’s Unstoppable Profit Producer Program. We offer tips and help on how you can generate new income for your business.