Easy Ways to Create Great First Impressions

 

It can literally take only seconds for a prospect to form an opinion of not only you, but also your product or service. I’ve devoted past blog posts to the topic, and I’m here with more excellent advice to add to the archives. Businessman Todd Smith compiled an impressive list of “36 ways to make a positive impression in less than 10 seconds.” Smith’s to-do list is unique because it covers both personal and professional aspects of one’s life; he recognizes that the two, no matter how we may try otherwise, are not mutually exclusive. By ensuring that both are fulfilling, success is inevitable. He encourages you to print out the list and even mark an asterisk next to each item you’ve committed to incorporating into your life. Below are just a few from the list. Click here for Smith’s full article.

• Use someone’s name – everyone likes to hear and see his or her name.
• Be unselfish and put others first- it could be as simple as holding the door open for someone.
• Accept responsibility when you are wrong- it’s the sign of a person with character.
• Be like a dog and be the first to greet people- it helps new people entering the room feel more comfortable and demonstrates your interest in them.
• Say please- make it a habit to use the word please EVERY TIME you ask someone to do something for you even if they are paid to do it.
• Click the LIKE button on someone’s Facebook post- it’s an easy way to demonstrate interest.
• Turn off your phone in meetings- even though your phone may not make sounds, your eyes and attention will be diverted from the other people in attendance and your lack of attention demonstrates disrespect.
• Look for the good in others and tell them what you see- you have the ability to bring out the best in people, especially when they may not know it themselves.