Business Etiquette in Brief: How to Make a Positive First Impression in 4 Ways

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some tips on business etiquette from the book titled Business Etiquette in Brief by Ann Marie Sabath.  First off, let’s start with how you can make a positive and powerful first impression.  The following is a summation of 4 various categories or ways that this can be achieved.

I. Make Your First 10 Words Count

• The most effective way to open an interaction with a person is to begin by thanking them.
• Always try to include the person’s full name when thanking them, and make sure you know how to pronounce their name correctly!

II. Tune Into Others

• Eye contact is always a plus when dealing with others.  You would be surprised at how easily people can read your facial expressions and body language, so watch how you act!

III. Walk With a Purpose

• There is a definite difference between the walk of someone who has no direction in life versus someone who is confident, upbeat and ready to take on the world.  Make sure that you are in the latter half!

IV. Groom Yourself Properly

• Your hair should be neatly trimmed and shaped in a way that flatters your face and brings out positive features.  Not sure?  Consult a professional hairstylist.  You would be surprised at how a simple haircut or hairstyle change can dramatically change how you look.
• Wear jewelry that is tasteful.  Remember, you are what you wear!  That being said, no one wants to see gold chains hanging off your neck like Mr. T at a job interview!
• For the guys: make sure that your shirts fit properly.  Use the ‘one finger test’ by placing your index finger between the collar and the neck.  If there’s enough room to slip your finger, you will feel more comfortable and less like you are choking.
• People often don’t pay attention to their shoes, but they need to.  For both guys and gals, make sure that the shoes you wear aren’t ratty looking or scuffed up.  If you need to, you may have to have your shoes shined and/or repaired.
• Finally, for the guys: No one wants to know when the flood is coming.  That being said, wear socks that are long enough to cover your calves so that when you sit down you aren’t putting on a show for the entire office.  You may also want to check to see that your pants are long enough to begin with!