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: (425) 712-1976 or online via the contact
page.
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