In the film Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise tells Rene Zegweller how much she cares for her which takes a whole scene and she says “You had me at hello”

We’ve all met people that we instantly like and want to get to know more or do business with

Making a good first  impression is important for building relationships with other people. In business networking, a positive first impression is crucial for forging
profitable, sustainable, long-term partnerships to help build the business and keep it thriving.

Why is it, then, that so many people in business and everyday life seem to be clueless as to the importance of making a good first impression? Whether intentional or not, there
is no excuse for blowing a first business meeting with someone.  The other party might not want to do business with you it is part of the game, after all  but it shouldn’t be because
you present yourself as a brute and make your organisation look like a horde of cavemen.

Be it face-to-face, over the phone, via fax, e-mail or video conference, it is very important to come across in a positive light, especially the first time around. We’ve all
met people that we instantly like and want to get to know more or do business with. Most of the time, these people follow a few basic rules that make their
first impression a strong one. We’ve compiled a quick list of six easy tips you can use to make a strong first impression, each and every time.

1  Dress to impress

We’ve all heard this old saying, but it’s timeless for a reason. Although today’s business environment is much more casual than it was even 10 years ago, it is still
important to dress the part. The key here is to dress modestly and appropriately for the gathering you will be attending. There is no need to wear
the latest Brioni suit, but do make sure that your clothing is clean and fits well. The last thing you want is to give off a negative impression before you
even open your mouth. If you look sloppy, people will assume that you and your business are sloppy as well.

2 Speak clearly

This point cannot be emphasised enough. Be sure to communicate clearly with the people you are meeting. Few things are more annoying than having to listen to someone without
understanding what they are saying because they garble their words. Focus on speaking at a moderate pace with a well-modulated voice. Do not be afraid to
enunciate properly. Also, using proper grammar when speaking and avoiding slang is expected if you are to make a good first impression. Remember: If people
can’t comprehend what you are saying, they will disregard you and your organisation. Furthermore, be polite and courteous at all times.

3 Use the person’s name frequently

Take a minute to think of some of the people you met recently. If you encountered someone who used your name from the get-go, you will likely agree that it made the
conversation much more personal. Furthermore, it shows the other person that you were paying attention from the very beginning and that you give them enough
importance to memorise their name. A bonus is that by using their name immediately, you will be more likely to remember it and impress them even more
should you run into them a second time.

4 Avoid jokes

Humour is generally a good thing as far as business networking goes  as long as it is used prudently. A light crack or simple joke can do wonders to lighten the atmosphere and set the mood for a gathering. Unfortunately, if you are not careful and crack an off-colour joke, the effect will be the opposite. You may end up facing a group of hostile
people that have already put an “X” on you because of your poor choice of wit. Avoiding jokes during the first encounter is the safe bet. If you really must make a wisecrack, go with something short and conservative so as to not offend anyone. You don’t want to be remembered as “that offensive person.”

5 Be a good listener

Being a good listener is not as complicated as most people think it is. When having a discussion with someone, make sure to let him know in a subtle manner that you are paying
attention to what is being said. Don’t be afraid to nod your head and chime in with the occasional “I see,” or “I understand,” or any other verbal cue that shows the other person that you are indeed listening attentively. Also, feel free to ask questions (preferably non-threatening ones) if you are unsure of what the other person is trying to communicate.

Finally, do not interrupt when someone else is speaking. Interrupting someone in mid-sentence is extremely rude and will count as one strike against you in just about any
social setting. Proper etiquette is suggested at all times.

6 Let the other person be the centre of attention

Perhaps the most important tip to follow when making a first impression is avoid hogging the spotlight. Let the other person be the centre of attention. The worst mistake
you can make is talking incessantly about yourself. You will come off as a selfish person who is only interested in himself, rather than appearing as someone who could help others further their business.Ask the other person about himself and let him bask in the spotlight. You will not only appear to be gracious, but you will also learn
more about the person you are dealing with. Pay close attention to the conversation; those little details may be useful in the future.