First encounters are so important and are the gatekeepers to building relationships with new people. If you can’t get past the first conversation, then you will have a difficult time getting to know people. Take each encounter very serious so be on your best behavior and make a good first impression. Check out my previous post, 7 Don’ts When Networking.
1. You can’t keep your eyes focused on the person you are talking to so you are being rude.
2. You give a weak handshake, which shows that you are not confident.
3. You are very negative in your words and never smile, which is not fun for the other person.
4. You don’t ask any questions so you appear that you don’t care about the other person.
5. You had too much to drink so you can’t have a serious conversation.
6. Your appearance is less than desirable with stains on your shirt, food in your teeth, and messy hair, which shows that you lack professionalism.
7. You never ask how you can help the other person because you are too focused on helping yourself.
8. You consistently interrupt people when they talk because you are more concerned about what you have to say.
9. You try to sell your business immediately before getting to know people.
10. You come across as arrogant when talking so you may turn people off.
What other conversation ruiners can you think of?
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Great posts! Many of these points describe the Tiger I just wrote about on my Blog. Your site is spectacular Jason! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Jim O'Donnell | January 07, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Thanks Jim. Appreciate the nice feedback. Also, glad to know about your blog. Like what I have read so far.
Posted by: Jason Jacobsohn | January 08, 2008 at 04:31 PM