We've all been told when meeting someone for the first time, whether it be a prospective client, a new employer or a stakeholder, to be energetic and give a firm handshake (not so hard the other person winces or drops to the ground). However, honestly, when someone is meeting you for the first time, what other qualities do you consider as part of "sizing up" the person opposite you? Perhaps you're not aware of it, but there are several traits that form anyone's opinion. Therefore, when you're the one on the "hot seat," remember:
· Eye Contact - Look directly at the person to whom you're speaking. However, you should drop your eyes occasionally, or else it comes off as "creepy." At the same time, don't talk while looking up, down, to the side, etc. Your confidence and honesty are being analyzed as a result of your eye contact. It's not something the prospective client, employer or stakeholder realizes as part of a check off list. It's often sub-conscious, but an opinion about you is being formed.
· Packaging - Is your outfit appropriate for the occasion? If you're pitching another person, the "casual Friday" that has morphed into informal clothing at all times could kill your chances right away? You could be eliminated for making bad choices, but you will never seem over-dressed if a suit is worn by men, and a dress, skirt or pants suit is worn by women. How many times have you seen Hawaiian shirts and flip flops in the business environment?
· Creating A Relationship - A majority of people are so involved with talking about themselves they forget the meeting, for whatever the reason, should be about the person with whom you're meeting. Look around the room to get an idea about family, interests, awards, etc. If there's a signed baseball, ask about it. If there are family pictures, ask about family. When you receive an answer, you can "catch the ball" by talking about your own. That's how you start a conversation and, thereby, a relationship. If the meeting is with a potential client, you should realize that people like to do business with people they know, trust and like.
Can first impressions be turned around? Just possibly. However, if any of the above points is not emphasized on the first visit, you probably don't have the awareness to change the picture. Therefore, make sure that first impression creates a business (and perhaps personal) friendship, whether a deal is closed or not. You never know how it will help you in the long run.
Steve Clements translates 40 plus years as executive trainer, Hollywood TV producer/writer and academia (Professor Emeritus from Augusta State University in TV/Cinema) into customized oral communications and media training programs for Executive Speak/Write, Inc. (http://www.executivespeakwrite.com). This producer of over 3,000 national TV broadcasts now trains business professionals on how to be a better "you" when speaking to audiences.
By Steve Clements
· Eye Contact - Look directly at the person to whom you're speaking. However, you should drop your eyes occasionally, or else it comes off as "creepy." At the same time, don't talk while looking up, down, to the side, etc. Your confidence and honesty are being analyzed as a result of your eye contact. It's not something the prospective client, employer or stakeholder realizes as part of a check off list. It's often sub-conscious, but an opinion about you is being formed.
· Packaging - Is your outfit appropriate for the occasion? If you're pitching another person, the "casual Friday" that has morphed into informal clothing at all times could kill your chances right away? You could be eliminated for making bad choices, but you will never seem over-dressed if a suit is worn by men, and a dress, skirt or pants suit is worn by women. How many times have you seen Hawaiian shirts and flip flops in the business environment?
· Creating A Relationship - A majority of people are so involved with talking about themselves they forget the meeting, for whatever the reason, should be about the person with whom you're meeting. Look around the room to get an idea about family, interests, awards, etc. If there's a signed baseball, ask about it. If there are family pictures, ask about family. When you receive an answer, you can "catch the ball" by talking about your own. That's how you start a conversation and, thereby, a relationship. If the meeting is with a potential client, you should realize that people like to do business with people they know, trust and like.
Can first impressions be turned around? Just possibly. However, if any of the above points is not emphasized on the first visit, you probably don't have the awareness to change the picture. Therefore, make sure that first impression creates a business (and perhaps personal) friendship, whether a deal is closed or not. You never know how it will help you in the long run.
Steve Clements translates 40 plus years as executive trainer, Hollywood TV producer/writer and academia (Professor Emeritus from Augusta State University in TV/Cinema) into customized oral communications and media training programs for Executive Speak/Write, Inc. (http://www.executivespeakwrite.com). This producer of over 3,000 national TV broadcasts now trains business professionals on how to be a better "you" when speaking to audiences.
By Steve Clements
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