PSSSSSSSSST.... Never Make A Bad First
Impression Again! Just think F.A.S.T.

by Geoffrey Ronning

Does your position require you to meet people that affect your business? For many of us, meeting others is a daily task which must be accomplished to achieve our goals. When we fail to make a positive first impression, it can create obstables in aquiring new clients, receiving promotions and building beneficial workplace relationships.

It is said that first impressions are lasting impressions. If this is the case, and my research shows this to be true, it is important to understand how to make a positive first impression to get started on the right foot, fast! The following techniques will assist you to make positive and memorable impressions that will help you personally and professionally.

They have been designed to be memorable, creating the acronym F.A.S.T.

F - Friendly Introduction

Each of us is blessed with our own unique personality. It is important that we accentuate our personality, but also maintain simple rules of decorum. Whenever you are introduced to someone new, you should instigate the relationship with a firm handshake. Always look into the other parties eyes. If an introduction was not made, introduce yourself and state what your relationship is to the meeting situation.

For instance, at a business association breakfast you may say "it is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Geoffrey Ronning. I have been a member of XYZ Association for 6 years. What is your name."

A - Attention will take you far

Your ability to listen will make or break your ability to create a positive first impression. Everyone is capable of being a wonderful listener, but often times we allow our focus to wander. You need to focus all of your attention on the individual you are conversing with, listen to each word they say, and if you are unsure of the pronunciation of their name, verify it. As someone with a unique name, I can't tell you the number of times I have had someone mispronounce my name or inadvertently call me by a variation of my first name and even my last name. Don't make those mistakes. Everyone likes attention, and providing attention to the individual you are speaking with will be making a strong impression that you are a person who is intelligent and considerate.

S - Secret Strategy of Questions

Questions are your secret strategy and the strongest way to make inroads to creating a positive impression with long term rewards. At any event where you are interacting with strangers, it is important you engage the other party to discuss their interests. Keep your own interests to a minimum, don't discuss your kids, difficult projects or hobbies. Focus your questions on them. As long as your talking about yourself you cannot learn about the other individual.

In addition, by asking questions people are comfortable with, you will be building rapport and be on your way to creating relationships on a personal or professional level that can have numerous long term benefits. The best questions to ask are based on their responses and previous comments to your questions. Never go in with a set of questions. I remember I was at one association hospitality suite and heard an individual ask the same rehearsed set of questions to everyone he met. It became so cliché, it was impossible for him to develop rapport with anyone. He would have been far better asking relevant questions to each individual.

For instance, last week I was in Atlanta and was introduced to the Marketing Director of a major aftermarket automobile parts company. After being introduced, I first asked him if he was from Atlanta. Next I asked him how he became Marketing Director of the company. With just these two questions and responding appropriately to his answers, we could have spoken for two days. He was excited to talk about his adopted hometown and passionate about his business and what lead to his assent to his current position.

In making a positive first impression it is best to avoid all religious, political and taboo questions. The questions you use should draw out the other party, increase their confidence and make them feel comfortable with you.

T - Think Value

Your ability to provide value should always be your defining commitment in all of your professional activities. There are always skills, people, associations and resources you are familiar with which will benefit others. Don't ever enter into a professional relationship without asking yourself what value you can bring to others. Even in a brief meeting it is possible to provide a key piece of assistance to others. More importantly, in attempting to assist them, you will make a positive impression on them and show you are a person of value.

Next time you are introduced to someone, think F.A.S.T. Following these four rules you will find yourself feeling confident, making beneficial contacts and creating positive first impressions that will take your business to new heights.

Geoffrey Ronning is a speaker and consultant who teaches clients how to efficiently create professional relationships and improve employee relations.

This knowledge creates less hostile work environments with higher output
and teaches organizations how to quickly and easily acquire trust and
rapport to develop long term customers.

You can reach Geoffrey at: (623) 476-2437 or online via the contact page.