First ImpressionsYOU never have a second time to make a good first impression. Having said that, there is no mystery in making a good impression the first time, at least there shouldn't be! Once you know what effect you want to achieve, you can lay the groundwork for it right away. Some of the most important attributes you should want to sell to your public are:Professionalism (You are an expert at what you do)Positivity (You are solution minded)Civility (You have their best interest at heart)Cheerfulness (There is no place you would rather be than working with them)That might sound a bit cocky but these points appeal to corporate concerns: Once they find an organization or individual they can trust and are happy with, they will most assuredly stick with them.Eye contact ' Making eye contact shows that you have, first of all, acknowledged a person's presence and secondly that the person now holds your undivided attention.Smile strategically ' This means that you don't approach someone from afar with a smile plastered on your face. It would only seem like you're grudgingly trying to please and not that you are being sincerely friendly. On seeing the person, let a smile creep into your face.Stand up to greet ' If you're going to welcome someone you should do so graciouslyShake hands with sincerity ' Learn to do so with ease. It should be firm, warm and brief.Use names ' People's names are important to them, and it is an added advantage when you mention their name now and then in your conversation. The personal attention will be appreciated.Show enthusiasm while greeting ' You too would like to know that your presence brings a cheerful vibe.Be gracious ' Think of it this way: how will you honor a guest in your home' Be gracious.First Impressions set the standard for measuring other expectations, so make sure you are always consistent.Professional Savvy: Here are three important pointers that will help you establish rapport and smoothen your way to making an impression, namely: corporate card giving, greetings and introductions and the all-important elevator speech. Get familiar with these three and you would always be three steps ahead!Corporate card givingOffering your complimentary card is a good way to start a meeting. You can introduce your company and/or your responsibility with the exchange of this 3 by 5 inch paper. It is also a good way to end a sales/marketing pitch.Offer your complimentary card with the writing side up.When someone gives you a card, look at it briefly before putting it away carefully. Where appropriate, comment on the card.When offering your card to a person of much higher hierarchy, ask his or her permission before doing so. A simple 'May I offer you my card'' should suffice.It is always advisable to write something about your meeting and the owner on the back of a card to keep important information on hand.Greetings and introductionsGreetings: This is an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill. Greet people graciously when you meet them and wish them well. This will always attract goodwill to you.Introductions: Formally making a person or self-known to another or to the public. There are two kinds: Self- introductions and three-person introductions:Self-introduction: This refers to when you take the initiative to introduce yourself to someone or a group of people. Never give yourself an honorific. * (Honorifics: Mr. Mrs. Ms., etc)Three-person introductions: (This takes place when someone introduces two people to themselves).First say the name of the person to be shown the greater respectThe introduction phraseThe less important person's name andSome information about the other person (less important person)Then reverse the introduction*The most important person is always given the priority in introductions/deference. Example: 'Mr. Johnson, I'd like to introduce to you Mr. Obidi, our CEO. Mr. Obidi, I'd like you to meet Mr. Johnson, who is considering our firm for his ad campaign.'Every client is always more important than your CEO because they are the reason why you are in business.Elevator speechThe elevator speech is known as a very short introduction of your product or service. It is very important to have this at hand for many reasons.You won't be caught mumbling incoherentlyIt shows that you are a professional at what you doWhen well crafted it inspires cheerfulness and interestIt is at once informative and memorable.It is a great sales/marketing starter for both the giver and receiver.Here is a sample elevator speech that should help you create your own. Make sure you are comfortable with it and it works for you:'I have a calling. I am a customer satisfaction representative who calls customers to insure they're satisfied. (Pause for effect'and laughter hopefully!) My name is Chike; I work for ABC Consultants. It's my pleasure to meet you!'And When In Doubt''Whenever you aren't certain of how to approach a situation, always take the route of professionalism, civility and consideration for others. You will never go wrong that way!Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to regalgraces@yahoo.com or SMS 08062280952. Pamela also covers Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette08167089656 (SMS only).E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com
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