Make a Good First Impression

Whether you are interviewing for a job or getting new clients, your first impression is important. Read Redline Executive’s five tips for what not to do when meeting someone new and you will be calm and collected when forging new business opportunities.

1.       Don’t talk too much! During a first encounter, nerves kick in and it is easy to talk, and talk, and talk. The listener might be smiling and nodding, but they don’t feel affirmed or appreciated. Even though you might be nervous, make sure to try to make the other person feel good by asking them about their day.

2.       Don’t try to be perfect—you might intimidate the other person so that they find it hard to relate to you. Let your guard down—just a little bit—and you will undoubtedly have a better conversation for it.

3.       Don’t forget the other person’s name. In order to remember the other person’s name, repeat it and repeat it again. It will help you to not forget it and also make the other person feel special. You don’t have to stop at their name though, you can also mention the name of their spouse, pet, or child.

4.       Don’t be boastful. Sure, you want to showcase your contributions to a project, but you don’t want to appear self-serving or to put down others for your own gain.

5.       Don’t look disengaged. You can appear disinterested if your face is neutral, so give clues that you are listening by tilting your head or arching your eyebrow.

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