How to Make a Good First Impression

If you're like most everyone, you'd like to make a good first impression on that person. Why is it so important? Well, not only is it polite to be polite, but you never know when or where this person may affect your life somewhere down the road. The very next person you meet may just be your next boss, or the editor of a major book publisher. Or, maybe they'll be your future spouse? You just never know.

Step 1. If you're planning to go somewhere today make sure you're not dressed like a complete slob. Whether it be to the movies or to the market, always make an effort to look at least decent. No holes in your shirt is a good start. It's also important to make sure you don't stink to high-Heaven. If you haven't showered yet today at least use your deodorant. Check to make sure your breath is nice and fresh. One of the best ways to set a bad impression is by saying "Hi!" to someone after you've just woke up and eaten an onion bagel! YUK! I can guarantee that the person you've just met will NEVER forget you. Just not for the reasons you'd like.

Step 2. After you've made sure you look okay and your breath is in no danger of gagging a maggot, you may leave your abode. Okay, so now you're at your destination and just happen to run into a friend that just happens to be with a friend you've never met. There's no way you're not going to meet this person. That's unless you make a complete ass of yourself by walking away. But that's not going to happen. So, what do you do when you're introduced? This depends.

Step 3. If the person you're meeting for the first time is a woman, stand up straight, give her the kind of big smile that let's her know you're a very friendly person, then reach out and shake her hand. This is a critical step! Handshaking tells a lot about a person. If you're a man you should shake her hand firmly. Make sure not to hurt the girl, but also make certain not to give her the impression she's shaking a wet noodle, either. If you're a woman shaking a man's hand, nothing is worse than squeezing too hard. The impression this gives may be defined in a myriad ways. It depends on the persons hand you are shaking. The best bet is to use the same advice I gave the men: If you're a woman meeting a man for the first time, shake his hand firmly. You can't lose!

Step 4. After the handshake ordeal is dealt with the last thing to remember is to make good eye contact. This will let them know you're confident and feel at ease. Add some friendly small talk and you're good to go. You've just made a good first impression on your future boss, publisher, mailman, butcher, or lover.If you use these simple steps, you're sure to make a good first impression with everyone you meet.