ONE: Be Positive A good posture, a winning smile and a firm handshake are the cornerstone of a good first impression. Of course, that's not to suggest that you should stand on your toes, reveal all of your teeth or attempt to crush the other person's hand! As we'll explore shortly, don't overdo things or act inappropriately. Relax, be natural but be positive.
TWO: Listen and Learn People are interested in people who are interested in them. Drop the 'Networking Dance' of elevator pitch exchanges and instead show a genuine interest in the other person. Meeting people in a business environment doesn't always mean that you have to just talk about business. Find something you have in common, whether it's the person who introduced you, the place you're meeting or a shared interest you're aware of.
Get to know the person first if you can and the business talk will flow so much more easily.
THREE: Bite Your Tongue
Put your own agenda to one side for the moment and ask questions. If you have your own agenda for a meeting, the other person will be far more likely to want to help you if you've made them feel good about themselves first.
Of course, if the other person shows clear buying signs or starts to ask you questions about business or role, I'm not suggesting that you should be a shrinking violet. But don't push yourself forward before you've developed a rapport. FOUR: Be Yourself It's tempting to try to be someone you're not in order to create a strong impression. Don't. You're much better showing off the best of you than an impersonation of someone else. People like and trust people who they feel are authentic. Maintain an authentic, yet appropriate, manner when you meet people and relax.
FIVE: Follow Up
All of the above will be meaningless if you don't follow up after your meeting. Within a few days you will be forgotten. Send a simple email to touch base immediately after your meeting and perhaps connect on LinkedIn and/or follow the other person on Twitter.
If you can then meet up again within a few weeks you will have more chance of not just creating a first impression but of building a long term relationship.
|