You’ve probably heard the saying You can never make the first impression twice. That’s why you have to do your best to make an outstanding first impression when meeting business associates. Looking sharp, confident, and well-informed about the subject you’re supposed to discuss are just some of the key elements that will allow you to look like you’re on top of your game. Alongside that, you’ll need to pay attention to a few more aspects.
Work on the handshake
A handshake will tell you almost all you need to know about a person. That’s why you should practice yours and only send a positive message to a person you’re handshaking with. Too firm a grip may appear too aggressive, whereas a flimsy one will not make you look confident enough. You should go for the middle ground and make a firm yet respectful grip. Always try to follow with a subtle smile and a friendly remark such as “Pleased to meet you”.
Watch your body language
Are you an overly expressive gesturer? Do your arms fly left and right as you’re explaining your points? That can be a clear sign of nervousness which can often come out as a negative impression. Clenching fists and crossing arms while listening to the other person translates as rejection and a negative attitude. Sometimes we’re using our body language without even realizing what gestures we’re putting out there. That’s why it’s best to practice your speeches and interaction with other people in front of a mirror. Better yet, have a colleague or a friend practice with you and record the entire act. That way, you’ll be able to see which parts need tweaking and how you can improve it.
Do the background check on the potential client
Knowing your audience is the best advantage you could have to make sure you’ll make a good first impression. Therefore, we suggest you find out every detail about the person you’re meeting, that can allow you to present yourself in the best lighting. For instance, if you’re a smoker and the other person is completely against that bad habit, you’ll want to avoid smoking cigarettes the day before the meeting and on that day, to avoid spreading the scent of cigarette smoke around. You can get the Innokin vaping device and start vaping for a few days to make the transition easier. Non-smokers are very sensitive and can detect cigarette smoke a mile away, so you’ll want to be completely cigarette-free and not let out the fact that you’re a passionate smoker when you meet the person for the first time.
Choose the outfit carefully
You should always dress to impress. A smart business outfit is always the best choice when you know you’re going to meet a potential client. Wrinkle-free clothes are a must, so always have your shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts nicely pressed to look clean and neat for your meeting. If you opt for a skirt or a dress, knee-length is the smartest choice. A silk tucked-in blouse in combination with a pencil skirt and a pair of pumps is all you need to look professional. For gentlemen, a pair of regular fit trousers, a shirt, and a tie, alongside a blazer will say you’re a serious trustworthy businessman. Everything you need to make an outstanding first impression.
Don’t get distracted
We know that we’re living in the time of technology, but that doesn’t mean that we need to become rude and disrespectful. Before your meeting, be sure to put your phone on aeroplane mode. Silent isn’t enough because you can still hear the vibrations even if your hone is face down on the table. The person you’re with should have your undivided attention. Otherwise, they won’t feel like you’re worthy of their time, and they’ll feel disrespected if you’re checking your notifications every few minutes.
Making a great first impression doesn’t have to be too difficult. All you need to do is follow a few simple rules, and you’ll win over anyone. As long as you dress well, do your research, work on your handshake and body language, and don’t let anything distract you, you’ll be able to make everyone think the best of you after your first meeting.
