Leave a Lasting Impression

Making a good impression the first time you meet someone is very important because it is what people remember the most. Your employer and employees will appreciate if you are pleasant and warm the first time meeting you, but it should not stop there. It is crucial that they continue to have a positive impression, trust and respect you. The following steps should get you started on leaving a wonderful and lasting impression.

1. Smile - Always have a smile on your face when you first meet someone. It makes you look friendly and confident. People like someone that smiles, because they seem approachable and easy to talk to. This makes others feel at ease as well, especially your coworkers.

2. Be a good listener - By listening attentively to others, you open the doors to trusting you. People love talking about themselves so ask them questions and listen. When devoting your attention to others instead of talking about yourself, it shows that you are truly interested. This will make you stand out because everyone appreciates a good listener.

3. Look them in the eye - To show others you are easily approachable and feel comfortable, shake their hand firmly, look them directly in the eye and smile. This never fails! It creates a connection between the two parties meeting. Everyone loves someone that looks confident and friendly.

4. Remember names -  People love the sound of their own name, therefore, it is important to remember names. It is not always easy to remember someone’s name, especially if you are meeting a group of people at once, but try to remember. It shows that you are paying attention and interested in what they are saying.  A good way to do practice is to repeat the name out loud after meeting someone. Try to mention the name several times in the conversation so it remains in your mind. Another way to remember someone’s name is to find a connection or characteristic between the name and the person.