Making a first impression is incredibly important – it can be the deciding factor in whether someone decides to do business with you, date you, or even give you a job. In the United States, five factors play into making a fantastic first impression. Let’s explore them today!
Tidy Appearance
Though we like to tell ourselves not to judge a book by its cover, we can’t help but do it. A neat appearance sends the message that you’re put together and capable. First impressions are often made before you even open your mouth, so make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free, your hair is styled from a barber shop Denver, and you have a pleasant expression on your face.
Before going anywhere, look in the mirror and try to see yourself objectively. Would you want to talk to yourself? If not, make some adjustments. Of course, you can also ask family, friends, colleagues, and others for advice.
Ability to Arrive on Time
Next, if you want to make a great first impression, be sure to arrive on time. This factor is important whether you’re going on a job interview, on a first date, or meeting someone for coffee. If you’re running late, call ahead and let the other person know. Better yet, try to arrive early.
Why is promptness so important? It shows that you respect the other person’s time and value their company. If you arrive late with no warning, it sends the message that you don’t really care about the person or the meeting; this is not the kind of first impression you want to make. In some cases, it can also suggest that you don’t have good time management skills.
A Genuine Smile
Although it sounds simple, do you smile? A lot of people don’t realize that they don’t smile, or they have a resting face that looks angry or bored. If you want to make a great first impression, make sure you smile. It will make you appear more approachable, interested, and friendly.
As well as smiling with your mouth, you should also smile with your eyes – this is known as a Duchenne Smile. This involves using all the muscles in your face, and it is the most genuine and attractive type of smile – this will tell people that you’re approachable and ready to engage.
Strong Handshake
You don’t have to break the other person’s hand, but you should have a firm grip, and make sure that you shake for at least two seconds. This shows that you’re confident and ready to engage once again. While nobody remembers a good handshake, a bad one will definitely be remembered – we’ve all had a bad handshake somewhere along the way. However, don’t go too far the other way and break the other person’s hand.
Good Conversation
Lastly, you want to make sure that you can carry on a conversation. This doesn’t mean that you should talk the entire time, but you should be able to engage in a back-and-forth discussion. If you can do this, then you’re sure to make a good first impression. Use a friendly tone, make eye contact, and be an active listener.
By following these simple tips, you’re sure to make a great first impression!