Have you ever met someone who rubbed you the wrong way when you met them? I know I have, and in one case that person ended up becoming one of my best friends.

He made a bad first impression, and it was really hard to overcome. When we get an impression from someone, it can be hard to change – because no one wants to be wrong. It really gets to our ego.

The best way to overcome this is to make a good first impression.

Notice I said good, not okay.

That’s because an okay first impression is forgettable. You won’t be remembered – especially if you’re at a networking event.

On today’s episode of the Real Men Real Style podcast, I wanted to help you with this because a first impression can really make or break you.

I’m going to give you ten tips to make sure you shine when someone meets you. Even if they don’t remember your name, they’ll remember enough about you to refer you to others.

So download this episode now, and start making the right first impression every time.

Click here to listen on iTunes – Podcast #110: 10 Steps to an Amazing First Impression
Click here to listen on Soundcloud – Podcast #110: 10 Steps to an Amazing First Impression
Click here to listen on Stitcher – Podcast #110: 10 Steps to an Amazing First Impression

10 Ways to Make a GOOD First Impression:

1. Show up early.
2. Wear the right uniform.
3. Greet people properly.
4. Make eye contact.
5. Assume everyone likes you.
6. Remember names.
7. Mimic body language.
8. Listen, then ask a question.
9. Understand them.
10. Bring others into the conversation.

Highlights:

• You don’t want to just do “ok” on your first impression.
• People forget names, but not those who solve problems.
• We all stubbornly admit to our first impressions.
• Most people are late, even on Skype interviews.
• Do your homework, and test the waters before a new event.
• Plan what you are going to wear before you show up.
• Know the greeting customs of the region you are/will be in.
• In the USA, make sure you have a nice firm handshake.
• Make sure you greet the right people.
• When you join a group, make sure you make eye contact to acknowledge everyone.
• If you are around your friends, your body language is different – and people can sense it.
• People love knowing that you remembered their name.
• Look at what others are doing with their body, and copy what they are doing.
• Asking questions shows that you are really listening.
• Let other people talk about themselves and pay attention.
• Avoid talking politics, and discuss things you can agree to.
• Craft your message to the person you are talking to.
• People like team players.
• Make sure you bring in other people who may be feeling neglected.
• Introduce people you recently met to new people.
• When leaving a conversation, excuse yourself.
• By bringing someone else into a conversation, it gives you permission to leave.

Mindset Takeaway:

Most people mess up their first impression, but you want to be a lighthouse the moment you walk in.