Our hot five tips for making a good impression…in dating AND pitching [INFOGRAPHIC]
Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is nearly here.
If you’re single and dating, you’re probably acutely aware of the fact that first impressions are super important.
Whether you’ve both swiped right or you’ve been brave enough to approach someone out in public, the harsh reality is that you actually only have seven seconds to make a good first impression.
Seven seconds isn’t enough time to talk about your upbringing, your successes or make up for any initial blunders. Dating and business alike, there is no luxury of banking on a second meeting to clear up any misconceptions, so how can we make better first impressions?
Be on time
Being late tells others a lot about you, like your integrity and your respect for other people. It tells them you think your time is more important than theirs, and whatever you are doing is more important than what they could be doing.
So make sure you’re on time or better yet, a couple of minutes early. It not only shows you respect their time, but also helps you be cool, calm, and collected.
Don’t talk straight away
Simon Sinek – a British-born American author and motivational speaker says you should never talk straight away. “A lot of people start talking right away, and it’s out of nerves,” Sinek says. “That communicates a little bit of insecurity and fear.”
Instead, take a deep breath, smile and say a simple ‘hello’. “I know it sounds long and tedious and it feels excruciatingly awkward when you do it,” Sinek says, but it shows the person you’re totally confident and at ease.
Put your phone away
Many of us are glued to our phones but it does not make for a good first impression. Turn off sounds and vibrations on your mobile and take off your Apple watch. Give your complete and undivided attention to the person you’re meeting with to convey your commitment, focus, and let’s face it, your good manners.
Smile
Psychologists and anthropologists speculate that smiling is a way for us to signify to others that we have good intentions and are trustworthy. With that, people are more likely to want to interact with you and line up a second date or meeting.
Your smile is also contagious and others want to smile with you, creating a positive feedback loop of friendliness and approachability.
As a bonus, research has also shown that people who smile are rated as more attractive than those who don’t. So get out there and show off those pearly whites!
Always follow up
No ghosting here. After any initial meeting or date, don’t forget to follow up. Taking the time to send a simple thank you after a first encounter shows your appreciation for the other person’s time (re-affirming tip one). This small gesture demonstrates that you’re on the ball, and that you’re making the person you met a priority, rather than just another task to check off your to-do list.
Don’t let a negative first impression get in the way of your ability to get to know someone. Follow these five easy tips to ensure that the first time you meet someone special (your dream date or your dream client) won’t be the last.
