Tips for an Awesome First Impression!
Whether it is your first day at college or work, or you are appearing for a job interview or it is about meeting someone you want to impress, a good impression is always planned and managed. Embed the following activities in your daily routine and you will succeed in inspiring people you meet.
1. Try to inspire
Put yourself in a challenge to inspire the person you meet. Do some homework on the areas which would be of interest to your audience and always leave them with something that is valuable to them.
2. Be Authentic
People like sincerity. If you are approaching anyone with a vested interest, nine out of ten times they will figure it out. It is advisable to be what you are and never rely on saying or doing something which is not a part of you.
3. Let them in
Over confidence sometimes makes us hollow, i.e. leaving us with little or no room for other people to make their way. To make a good impression, allow people to reach out to you in ways you feel comfortable. Do not bulldoze their feelings with your confidence.
4. Have a “YOU” attitude
Think of all the people you like or admire in your company. They all have one trait which makes you like them, they listen. Have a genuine sense of concern for the other person. As Steven Covey states in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood”
5. Face the fear of failure
Risk is an important element of life and one should learn to accept the failures. Becoming an expert in making lasting impressions would also have a success failure ratio so always allow you to learn from mistakes and look for continuous improvement.
6. Compliment, Compliment, Compliment
Everyone likes to be complimented for their positive traits and interesting ideas so always take the initiative to compliment people you are talking to.
If the topic is about travelling, ask them about places and show enthusiasm while listening. If the environment is more formal, look for modes of appreciation that are considered acceptable and are respected.
