Too often, especially as we get older, we fail to recognize the importance of making a good first impression. For some reason, we may fall into a trap of waiting for someone else to impress us rather than for us to make a good impression on them. Not sure if it is some type of age entitlement, or if we are just focused on other things, but we should keep ourselves sharp and open to expanding our relationships and ultimately our network.

Think about it for a minute. What if we tried to make a good first impression with every person we meet every day, all the time, not just when it serves a purpose for us? It is certainly important when going for a job interview, or a meeting with a business client. But what about the rest of our day?

It should be important to make a good first impression everywhere you go for every relationship no matter how big or how small. Life could become much more interesting if we develop our casual relationships. How many people do we encounter every day that we barely acknowledge? How many times a day do you have the chance to make a good first impression with someone new? We run into people at the coffee shop, in the hallways at the office, on public transportation, and in many other places.

Just a little effort…

I’m not saying that we must stop and have a 10-minute conversation with everyone we meet. But a smile and a little small talk can’t hurt. You never know what it might mean to someone at that particular time in their life to have some small talk with you. You also never truly know what you may gain from it as well!

Several things happen when you make a conscious effort to make a good impression with someone the first time you meet them. You make them feel good. You raise your energy level, and high energy is somewhat contagious.

Here are some tips I have learned over the years and how I seem to know people everywhere I go.

A smile goes a long way

Smile! When you smile, scientifically speaking, you release neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. Dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are also released which make you feel good and relaxed. Sincere smiles are also contagious, and that’s a good way to set someone at ease. If it’s a brief encounter, sometimes a smile is all it takes. There was an old expression that half of the people in the world are just waiting for the other half to smile at them.

Make eye contact. Don’t try staring them down or making googly eyes at them. Just look someone straight in the eye when you meet them. Don’t make it awkward, but when you look at them directly, and not over their head or at what they’re wearing then you are sending the message that you are acknowledging them personally.

Give them a firm handshake. We’ve heard this one our whole life, but honestly is there anything worse than a healthy person offering you as they say a “limp fish” Don’t try to hurt them but give them a good firm handshake.

Dress neat. It’s not a must, but if you have a choice when you are out in public between something that looks neat or your pajamas, well, go with the neat clothes. I just have a hard time seeing people over the age of 18 out in public in their pajamas or dirty sweats if they’re not coming from the gym. And if you’re my age walking around in pajamas, they’re probably thinking you just wandered out of Happydale.

Awareness

 Be aware of your body language. Face people directly but don’t get into their personal space. Be relaxed and open. Lean in a little as opposed to leaning away. Your hands should be visible, not in your pockets or behind your back.

Put your phone in your pocket. It is rude to be swiping away at your phone while someone may be talking with you. Be courteous and put it away, it shows them that you are interested in what they may be saying. Only take it out if you need to exchange information. Otherwise, it’s rude.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel

Maya Angelou

Conversationally, if they are speaking to you, make your best effort to listen to them without thinking about what you are going to say next. If you are listening, then the conversation will flow, naturally. And don’t rush then through the conversation unless you legitimately have somewhere to go. If you ask them a question, allow them to answer and don’t just blow off their answer and run on to the next topic you have in your head.

Making a good impression comes down to demonstrating that you are truly who you seem to be. This comes with you being yourself and being sincere. Sincerity establishes a true connection. We all recognize another person’s insincerity. Be sincere, not manipulative.

Be yourself, your best self.