Meeting new people can be intimidating! Whether you’re going on a first date, meeting a new friend, or having a business meeting with new people, first impressions are important because you only get one. Don’t stress yourself too much though. First impressions are usually not the only time you’ll get to make an impression on someone. And you can’t always judge someone on your first encounter. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to start with your best foot forward and we have some helpful hacks that will help you create an amazing first impression!
Be on Time
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There’s no better way to say “I don’t care” than being late. It’s rude and it doesn’t give the first impression you’re probably going for. Make sure to be on time, ideally all the time, but especially on a first meeting.
Do whatever you have to do. Set an alarm. Leave early. Check traffic. But do not be late! Arriving early or on time lets the person know that you value their time and you’re looking forward to your meeting.
Present Yourself Well
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The way you present yourself will leave a lasting impression on the person you’re meeting. What does your outfit say about the meeting? For instance, you don’t want to show up to a job interview with jean shorts on. Dress for the occasion and dress the way you want to be perceived. Think about where you’re meeting and what you’ll be doing.
Appearance isn’t everything. It’s more about the effort that you put into your appearance than what you’re actually wearing. Dress appropriately and use your style to express yourself. The way you look is the first thing people will notice about you before you get to talking. Use this to your advantage!
Smile!
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The best way to make an amazing first impression is to smile! This communicated a lot without having to say a word. Smiling lets them know you’re happy to be meeting them. People will feel welcomed by your smile and more interested in getting to know you.
Smiling also helps you exude confidence. Don’t walk into a professional meeting with a frown. Make sure your smile is genuine because people can often tell the difference. We hope this won’t be too difficult because you’ll be genuinely excited about meeting new people anyway. If you’re not, fake it ‘til you make it!
Be Yourself
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If you’re looking to create long lasting relationships, you have no choice but to be yourself. When you are genuine and true to yourself, people can sense this authenticity and will respond well to it. Also, if you act like someone else on a first meeting, what are you going to do in the next one? Continue the facade?
Always be true to yourself in any meeting. This is sure to help you form organic and long lasting relationships by starting with a winning first encounter. You’ll feel confident and people will remember their first encounter with you as being a pleasant one. Always be yourself and you can’t go wrong!
