Whether you are going on a job interview or meeting with a client,
your first impression can literally make or break the deal.  It
usually takes an average of just seven seconds for a person to
make a judgment about you based on your initial meeting.  If
yours is not a good impression, chances are you won’t get the
job or seal the deal.  But if you make a great first impression
you can bet that people are going to take you seriously, whether
it’s a potential client, boss or other business contact.

You do not have time to waste so it pays for you to understand
how people make their first judgment and what you can do to be
in control of the results.  Here are some practical tips on
making a lasting first impression.

LEARN WHAT PEOPLE USE TO FORM THEIR
FIRST OPINION.

When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged
is based on non-verbal data---your appearance and your body
language.  Only 7% is influenced by the words that you speak.
Whoever said that you can’t judge a book by its cover failed to
note that people do.  When your initial encounter is over the
phone, 70% of how you are perceived is based on your tone of
voice and 30% on your words. Clearly, it’s not what you say---
it’s the way that you say it.

CHOOSE YOUR FIRST FEW WORDS CAREFULLY.

Although research shows that your words make up a mere 7% of
what people think of you in a one-on-one encounter, don’t leave
them to chance.  Express some form of thank you when you meet
the potential boss, client or contact.  Perhaps, it is “Thank
you for taking your time to see me today” or “Thank you for
joining me for lunch.”  People will appreciate you more when
you appreciate them.

USE THE OTHER PERSON’S NAME IMMEDIATELY.

There is no sweeter sound than that of our own name. When you
use the other person’s name in conversation within your first
few words and the first seven seconds, you are sending a message
that you value that person and are focused on him or her.
Nothing gets other people’s attention as effectively as calling
them by name.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HAIR.

Everyone else will.  In fact, people will notice your hair and
face first.  Putting off that much-needed haircut or color job
may cost you the job or promotion.  Very few people want to
be connected with someone who is untidy or unkempt.  Don’t
let a bad hair day cost you the connection.

CHOOSE YOUR SHOES WISELY.

People will look from your face to your feet.  If your shoes
aren’t well maintained, some people will question whether you
pay attention to other details, especially in a business
setting.  Shoes should be polished and well-kept in addition
to being appropriate for the business environment.  Also pick
shoes that are right for the event you are going to, whether
it’s a client meeting or job interview. They may the last thing
you put on before you walk out the door, but shoes are often
the first thing other people see.

WALK FAST.

Studies show that people who walk 10-20% faster than others are
viewed as important and energetic---just the kind of impression
you would like to make on others.  Pick up the pace and walk
with purpose if you want to impress.  You never know who may
be watching.

FINE TUNE YOUR HANDSHAKE.

The first move you make when meeting someone of importance is
to put out your hand.  You will be assured of giving an
impressive grip and getting off to a good start if you position
your hand to make complete contact with the other person’s hand.
Once your palm has connected with the other palm, close your
thumb over the back of the other person’s hand and give a slight
squeeze.  This is especially important to remember in a business
setting.

NEVER GO WITHOUT YOUR BUSINESS CARDS.

Your business cards and how you handle them contribute to your
total image. Have a good supply of them with you at all times
since you never know when and where you will encounter a
potential client, employer or boss. How unimpressive is it to
ask for a person’s card and have them say, “ Oh, I’m sorry.
I think I just gave my last one away.”  You get the feeling that
this person has already met everyone he wants to know.  Keep
your cards in a card case or holder where they are protected
from wear and tear.  That way you will be able to find them
without a lot of fumbling around, and they will always be in
pristine condition.

MATCH YOUR BODY LANGUAGE TO YOUR VERBAL
MESSAGE.

A smile or pleasant expression tells the other person that you
are glad to be with them.  Eye contact says you are paying
attention and are interested in what is being said.  Leaning in
toward the client makes you appear engaged and involved in
the conversation.  Use as many signals as you can to look
interested and interesting.

In the business environment, you plan your every move with
potential clients.  You arrange for the appointment, you prepare
for the meeting, you rehearse for the presentation, but in spite
of your best efforts to anticipate opportunity, potential clients
pop up in the most unexpected places and at the most bizarre
times. For that reason, leave nothing to chance.  Every time you
walk out of your office, be ready to make a powerful first
impression.

In any situation you can get one step closer to getting what you
want by making the right first impression in the first seven
seconds.  Use the techniques you’ve learned to your advantage
and get what you are going after.