What Not to Do When Meeting Someone for the First Time

It is interesting to think about the interaction you have had after you meet someone for the first time.  Every person has a different personality, technique, and motive for talking with you.  Well, I am here to tell you that if you want to continue building a relationship after the first encounter, then you better treat the person with respect and play for the long term outcome.  Below are several ‘no-no’s when meeting people the first time.  After all, your first impression can make or break a new relationship.

• Don’t try to sell your firm’s services;  Rather, sell yourself and what you have to offer to the other person;.

• Don’t ask for help. Rather, ask other people how you can help them first.

• Don’t wander your eyes when talking with people; Rather, stay focused on the conversation at hand, which shows that you care about the dialogue.

• Don’t interrupt people when speaking; Rather, be a good listener and let people talk about themselves.

• Don’t hand out your business card right away; Rather, wait until you are asked for your business card.

• Don’t wear your nametag in the wrong position; Rather, wear it high and on the right side of your body.

• Don’t shake hands with a dead fish; Rather, focus on giving a firm handshake.

• Don’t come to an event with a bad appearance; Rather, check for stains, rips, tears, polished shoes, and groomed face and hair.

• Don’t be rude when talking with people; Rather, treat people with the respect that they deserve.

• Don’t come without business cards; Rather, carry them at all times and put them in all jackets, bags, and portfolios so you are never without them.

Have you experienced any of these from others? Are you guilty of any of these?

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Comments

[Carol Deckert]

Hi Jason,

As usual, another great post. I had a slightly different opinion on business cards and wrote more about it on my blog - check it out and see if you agree with me!
http://www.runlancaster.com/blog/?p=23

Happy Netweaving!
Carol Deckert
Netweaving/Networking Coach
RUNLancaster.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/caroldeckert
http://twitter.com/caroldeckert

[Jason]

Thanks Carole for your link to my post. I provided a comment on your post. I agree with your comment. I think that you should be selective when handing out cards. You may have misinterpreted my point.

[Joe Cheray]

Jason I couldn't agree more on the point of dressing the part. When I went to a Job Fair held at the local Welfare agency here I was appalled at how many looked like thugs instead of prospective employees. There were many I would have politely smiled at took the application and not even bothered to contact them after the event. Some men had shorts,caps, and t shirts on and donned sneakers. There were some women attired the same way.

In the notices we were given in the mail we were told to dress "business" dress and be prepared with resumes if we had them and also to be prepared to fill out applications as well as perhaps be interviewed on the spot.

Great post.

[Jason]

That is surprising that people would dress that way at a job fair! Maybe it explains some of the reasons that they are unemployed. People need to take every situation serious because you never know where it could lead you.