The person you are supposed to meet is not at all interested to understand the genuine excuses for running late. So, you must plan out your schedule days before to arrive a few minutes early at the venue. You must consider all the expected delays like traffic, calls, navigation etc. It is always better to reach early than arriving few minutes late. This is the very first mantra in creating the best first impression.

Your being at ease can be the second most effective first great impression. If you are not feeling comfortable or appearing to be nervous, this will actually cut a sorry figure of you. This will surely create the wrong impression. So, be calm and confident and this will also make another person at ease creating a great first impression.

Often we feel it’s the knowledge and intelligence that are counted but it is not the case. Never forget that in today’s competitive world, your physical appearance also matters. It’s your appearance that can create the first impression in the eyes of the person you are going to meet for the first time as he does not know you and hence your appearance is the only source of understanding you and an opinion that he can create about you.

Of course, it does not mean you should dress up like a Bollywood Star to create the very first impression unless you are actually into the similar genre. The fact is you need to dress up appropriately keeping in mind the industry, place, weather condition and time of the meeting.

You should start with the way you dress. You must know the right dress code for the specific meeting or occasion! If you are going to appear in a business atmosphere, what should you wear – formal, casual or a suit?  Just try to understand what the person you’re going to meet is likely to wear? The right dress code varies with the nature of the business and social meetings, countries and cultures, so you need to pay attention to what should be the right dress code considering all the above aspects. Find out the traditions and norms.

Next comes grooming. Be clean and tidy in your appearance as this is the most appropriate for most business and social occasions. Fresh haircut and shave is necessary. Wear clean and tidy clothes.

Do you know without losing your individuality also you can create the best impression? You can do this by “fitting in” to some degree at a certain level within the situation. Still, you can hold your individuality and personality intact. Even after wearing an appropriate formal dress in a business setting or any other occasion you can retain your natural self. You can adjust in every situation, in every ambiance, wearing appropriate attire showcasing your individuality appropriately within that context.

Body language has to say a lot when it comes to making the first impression. Your body language along with your appearance speaks louder than words.

You must display a lot of confidence and self-assertion through your body language. To display a right body language, stand tall with a smile on your lips, make eye contact and greet with a firm handshake. This is a sign that you are self-confident which will help you and the other person to be at ease.

It is quite natural that most of us get little nervous when meeting someone for the first time, leading to display of slight nervousness and sweaty palms. But as you are well aware of your nervous habits, you can keep these under check by constant efforts.

As the saying goes, “Smile and the world smiles too.” So there’s nothing like a smile to create a good first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other person at ease. A smile is the quality of a winner. But at the same time, remember don’t overdo it. People may take this far enough and may take you for granted.

Conversations are all about getting aware of the atmosphere, situation, and surroundings. It may help you to get answers to questions you have for the person you are meeting for the first time. You may also take some time to learn something about the person you meet for the first time prior to actually getting together well. You can start with hobbies and weather leading it to serious discussions. This approach can actually be a great way to trigger the conversation and keep it flowing.

It is always better to be polite and have good manners. Being attentive and humble are some of the most effective and initial signs to make a good first impression. Actually, anything less may mar the opportunity you have at making that great first impression. So, be at your best.