Good First Impression: 4 Tips
Aditi Ramchandani asks Jasbina Ahluwalia: We’re so happy to have you.
Jasbina, I know that nowadays networking has become quite a popular buzzword. People are realizing the importance and the power of networking in today’s world.
I’ve noticed that there are no clear-cut rules on how to network. We’re really looking forward to the insights that you have to share with us today.
When someone goes to a networking event, and they meet someone, they want to create a lasting first impression, whether it be in a professional or personal setting.
Do you have any suggestions or thoughts on how someone can create a lasting first impression?
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Good First Impression: 4 Tips
- Confidence.
- Active Listener.
- Elevator Pitch.
- Ask, ‘How Can I Help You?’
Good First Impression: Confidence
First and foremost, you can never go wrong with demonstrating confidence, enthusiasm and genuine interest in another person.
Keep in mind the basics, such as body posture.
Interestingly, the brain tends to pick up many signals subconsciously in a split second to help a person form an opinion of you.
Standing up straight with your shoulders back signals confidence.
Good First Impression: Active Listener
Be an active listener.
What does “active listening” mean? It’s about concentrating on what the speaker is saying and trying your best to make the speaker feel like he or she is the only other person in the room.
You’re not looking around. You’re not seeing who else is there. You’re really focusing on that person.
You also want to listen for an emotion in order to understand the entire message being conveyed.
You will get those meta-signals.
You want to maintain eye contact so that the speaker knows that he or she has your attention.
You want to make it your foremost goal when you’re listening to someone to show understanding of what the speaker truly means and is trying to say.
Good First Impression: Elevator Pitch
Another way that you can make a lasting first impression is to design a compelling and clear elevator pitch about what it is that you do.
Deliver it with confidence. Confidence is huge.
Demonstrating that you believe in yourself helps others that you meet while networking to believe in you also.
Good First Impression: How Can You Help
There is another way to make a great first impression. I read a comment by Joel Osteen about this.
He said to treat everyone you meet as if they’re the gatekeepers to your destiny.
In other words, keep in mind that anyone and everyone you meet has the potential to help you get to where you want to be.
Actively consider how you can help be the gatekeeper for someone else as well.
Those things will make an incredible first impression.
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Tell Us:
Through your experiences, have you gathered any tips for making a good first impression? Share with us in the comments section below.
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The above is an excerpt from Aditi’s interview with Jasbina Ahluwalia.
The entire interview transcript is at: Jasbina Ahluwalia NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) Interview – How to Network in Any Setting
Listen to the entire interview on: Intersections Match Talk Radio – Jasbina’s Lifestyle Show
Listen to the entire interview on Blog Talk Radio: NetIP Spotlight- Live Your Potential Listen to the entire interview on iTunes _____
