How to Make a Better First Impression
Meeting new people can be scary–especially for introverts–but it’s one of the most important parts of being successful in your career and, even more, your life. Bad first impressions have bad consequences. It’s that simple. Whether it be during a job interview, on a first date, etc., making a bad first impression will cause you to miss out on potentially great opportunities, because people probably won’t want to be around you.
3 Things to Focus on When You Want to Make a Great First Impression
Here are three of the most important factors to focus on when trying to make a great first impression:
Appearance
Don’t be a mess. If you’re going to an event/party/something important, really put some effort into your outfit. Try to have some structure in your outfit–try a button-up, something that has color or pockets
Dress for the occasion, but be comfortable in what you are wearing. Don’t wear things that completely mismatch your personality or don’t work well with your body language. You want to feel confident in how you look.
Hygiene! Hygiene! Hygiene! Make sure you smell and look pleasant - take the extra minute to take care of the basics, like brushing your teeth, putting on some perfume, combing your hair. If you don’t do these things, people will not want to be around you -they will remember the bad things more than the good!
Body Language
In America, especially, a firm handshakes is important when meeting someone new
Make eye contact. This can be one of the harder parts for introverts to nail down, but relax, because you don’t have to look someone in the eye the entire time you’re with them. Just make sure you at least do it when first meeting them and the beginning of the conversation - this is the most important time
Take up some space. Stand with confidence, shoulders back. Don’t try to make yourself small. Try not to cross your arms - hands in your pockets is a better alternative
Remember names and facts about people. If you’re at a networking event, try to get a business card! Write down a couple notes about the person right after meeting them. Check out their social media to learn more about them.
Mindset
Don’t come into the meeting acting like you don’t belong or that you’re automatically an outsider (you might feel like it, but don’t let that be conveyed to the people you’re with. They will feel that negative energy from you, and they will remember it
Be neutral. You don’t have to try to fake positivity if you don’t actually feel that way. Neutral is a fine place to be.
Meeting new people is always an opportunity - this should be your mindset when going into it everytime
Try to get excited about meeting new people and the possibility of developing new friendships/connections. You get to learn more about people’s stories and they get to learn more about your’s.