Q. I seem to have trouble making good first impressions, how can I make better ones?A. Good first impressions typically come down to two questions that the prospect asks himself or herself: 1) Can I relate to this person, or are they like me?, and 2) Can I trust this person?
It's possible that you have a mental block and believe you have a difficult time making first impressions. If that is the case, you're going to have to go to work on the mental aspects of that belief and challenge it. For example, you have undoubtedly made good first impressions at some point in your life. How did you do that, and how can you duplicate those experiences? Outside of a mental block, let's look at some other factors.
Do you have a nice, firm handshake? And is your hand dry? Do you make good eye contact? Are you dressed appropriately? Are you groomed properly, is your breath fresh? Are you speaking clearly and with confidence? Are you saying something of value? Are you building rapport effectively? Assuming you are pleasing, or at least not offensive, to any of the senses, you have something of value to offer, and you can build some rapport, you should be off on the right foot. We suggest bringing your manager on calls with you and getting his feedback as to how your first impressions are going.
