How to Make a Positive Impression

First impressions are very important; sometimes you may find that you will not get a second chance to change it. Most people will form an opinion of you within the first few minutes of a conversation and it is important to make a good impression from the first moment you meet somebody new.

There are ten easy ways that you can make a positive impression on the people around you in business as well as social milieus.

1. Be Perceptive
If you approach life with eyes wide open, you will notice when people are formulating an opinion of you. Learn to be perceptive and make it your goal to make a positive impression on people that you meet on a daily basis. Be aware of how you speak and carry yourself. Watch how others react to you and learn how to interact with people to get a positive response.

2. Show Your Appreciation
Everyone likes to be appreciated. If you want to make a positive impression on people, saying thank you will go a long way. Look for opportunities to show appreciation to people you meet everyday. See how many people you can thank in one day. Soon, you will see your relationships flourish as people react positively to your appreciation.

3. Send a Hand Written Note
Email has become the communication of choice in todays business world. Executives are so used to communicating by email that they would be completely shocked to receive a hand written note. Make it a habit to drop a hand written card or note to coworkers from time to time to create a positive impression.

4. Do not Forget Important Occasions
Make notes in a personal calendar to remember birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in the lives of those around you. You make a great impression on people when you actually remember an important date in their life. Make it a habit to say Happy Birthday and you will stand out as thoughtful and caring.

5. Keep Your Word
If you want to leave a good impression on people, you should keep your word. Do what you say you will do and get it done on time. After you complete a task, follow up with clients and make sure they are happy with your work.

6. Stay Positive
A negative person will make a bad impression on people every time. If you have a positive attitude, you will be perceived as encouraging and people will want to be around you. A positive attitude is the best form of customer service and advertising in the business world. People love to work with positive people because they dont have to listen to hours of complaining.

7. Listen Before You Speak
You have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as much as you talk. People love a good listener. If you are genuinely interested in the goals and aspirations of those around you, they will walk away with a positive impression of who you are.

8. Be Willing To Apologize
When you first begin to work on making a good impression, you will sometimes fail. If you mess up and make a bad impression, dont just forget it and move on. Instead, apologize for your mistake and try to start over. Apologies are a great way to make a positive impression on people.

9. Take Time To Reflect
When you seek to make a positive impression on everyone you meet, you can easily be perceived as fake. Make sure your kindness towards others is genuine by taking time to reflect on the blessings in your life. When you are at peace with yourself, you can relate to others in a more positive, genuine way.

10. Dress for Success
No matter what you do or say, if you dress like a slob, you will leave a terrible first impression on the people you meet. Be prepared by looking your best at all times. Make yourself a priority and buy some clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Every man should own a few Power Suits to boost his confidence and provide the perfect look for a professional occasion. Invest in a couple of smart, well fitting suits and high quality neck ties in various colors. Because most men wear dark suits to work, people tend to remember a man by his tie. Choose a brightly colored professional tie to make a memorable impression on everyone you meet.

Pohl is a regular author on career and business attire. He is also the founder of Cheap Neckties - an online store selling more than just discount silk ties and bow ties.

Article Source: http://www.c3careerarticles.com

Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5  Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Articles on Self Assessment Via RSS!