How will your 1st impression lead to your second opportunity?

Written on 9:12 PM by J

You never have a second chance to make a first impression! This is one aspect young professionals and entrepreneurs MUST understand. This is also the reason effective communication is critical to the corporate environment.

In regards to communication, the first impression persists on two important fronts. There is the written first impression, the in-person first impression. Both impressions are essential to building businesses. Brian, Omi, and I (@JoshuaEPorter) look to our written introductions to launch the majority of our opportunities. We have to up our entrepreneurial quotient when it comes to our in personal introductions. How will your first impression lead to your second opportunity?

Don’t tell anyone you read this from me but I will give out 7 of my keys for making a good first impression via email, Facebook message, Tweet, etc.
1. Research - You have to know as much about the person as possible before meeting them
2. Notice Shared Interest - Find something in that research that interests you
3. Greet – greet respectfully! Young professionals and entrepreneurs, I know we all are cool…in our own ways…but lay the slang and quote unquote young people jargon to rest for now
4. Be enthusiastic – as you may recall from my previous “How will networking help you win the war” blog this stands constant. Begin with an enthusiastic, GENUINE, remark. Ex. “Hope all is well” or “Pleasure meeting you” But you must mean it!!
5. Site the research and shared interest – granted I’ve talked to Jun Loayza for a while now, I noticed yesterday via Twitter that he is a fan of Daft Punk. So am I! So I Tweeted him a simple “What’s your favorite song?” “Superheroes” was his favorite although “Around the World” is mine
6. Keep your request short and to the point - don’t forget this is only the first impression…don’t come off needy!
7. Salutation – don’t ever…EVER, not bid someone adieu!
*Also to borrow from my friend, Guy Kawasaki, “Your subject line is a window into your soul, so make it a good one.”

Below are my 7 keys for making an effective first impression via in-person:

1. Approach – I don’t believe I cannot stress enough how essential it is to be ENTHUSIASTIC. People mirror you and respond to. Instead of “Hello name” with a frown, try “Hello name” with a smile and confidence
2. State name – I have a bit of a stutter when I talk. I thought it was a horrible thing, until I went to a Dale Carnegie training course and introduced myself with a pause in between my first and last name. The host said “WOW! You must have been to one of our trainings, because you say your name at perfect timing.” Ensure there is about a second or two between your first and last name.
3. Eye Contact – this is important for many reasons. It brings the person into your world and gives them the feeling it is just the two of you.
4. Handshake – ensure your handshake is sending the right signals. Teach yourself to be conscious of your hand placement. Gauge whether or not touch with the free hand should be involved. It can be inviting but also can back fire.
5. Conversation – CHARM, there are ways to charm in a non romantic way. Just be interested in the person, listen, and respond
6. Salutation – once again, as simple as the greeting. Ex. “Once again, it was a pleasure meeting you” Saying goodbye, the right way, is important. It also helps to give the person a take away i.e. a business card or such, especially if it is impromptu.
7. Most important read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

How will your first impression lead to your second opportunity?

-J