How to Make a Good impression............

Let me start with one small amebo and I will go back to business. I was at a friend’s place of work earlier this week and sat close to a light skinned complexion girl who happened to be there for a job interview and beside me the girl was blasting August Alsina’s benediction. I didn’t even know she was there for the interview, from her appearance which slightly revealed her huge crossed tattoo to her exposed midriff and I felt she was here to see someone. Not until she was called and baby girl kept humming to the song like someone who care less about what anyone have to say.

Instantly I concluded that she is not the right person for the vacant position. She was called even without getting to know about her person or her credentials because that action sent a hundred and one messages across.

Let me share this to also buttress my point; a friend of mine had just recently hyped me to a lady who needed ushers for her event, during university days and I appeared looking dirty. What happened?  I boarded a bus and had to sit beside a woman sweating profusely and carried a big sack of tomatoes on her lap because she didn’t want to pay an extra fee for her load (You know these market women now esp. on that Ojo badagry road, lasuites should know better). I decided to leave the seat for another one because the woman had choked me with her big body (I don’t want to call her fat before our fat brethren will kill me) and because I didn’t want anything to stain my beautiful dress.

She angrily made way for me but not until the sack of tomatoes had left its toll on my dress. I appeared dirty and my bottle of perfume did little to help the situation; instantly the woman concluded that I was not organised even when my friend tried explaining to her. First impression matters and can be used to judge anyone. An innocent person may be seen as guilty depending on the impression given; no one is saying that you shouldn’t be your real self but also try as much to present yourself positively to others.

Now let me start with ways to make a good impression on others.

Turn off your cell phone

Nothing kills a great first impression faster than someone picking up numerous calls or the cell phone’s vibration constantly disturbing the free flow of conversation. No one is interested in how many number of calls you receive per day, kindly switch it off and enjoy the period.

Arrive on time

Coupled with the fact that I arrived the venue a little dirty; I got there late. In my mind, I knew I had messed up big time. So my advice is that you always give yourself more than enough time, allowing for traffic delays or parking hassle.

Be confident

Nothing is more attractive than meeting someone who exudes confidence.  I mean confidence o, not oversabi; don’t come trying to figure out why someone is on pink and how much they their shoes cost as confidence. Ese, save us your oversabi sef.

People have often asked if it is okay to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, well, it is not bad. If it is an older person and they extend their hand to you, quickly meet up but if you are culturally aware that some groups do not touch the opposite sex, you may opt out of shaking hands. You must always stand straight and tall, don’t bite your fingernails or look lost. Maintain good eye contact. Do not crumple your hair; allow it rest and be confident.

Dress appropriately and have a good sense of humor

This is not a reason for you to come up with your dry jokes; it will only make the other person irritated. So please, Put off that lame jokes. Thank you.

Smile

Don’t go about with frowning as if you had just been punched or beaten up. Put off those worries and smile! Genuine smiles are a winning ticket for creating a great first impression.

Appear capable

Who else to believe in you, than your own self? If you do not believe in yourself, how do you expect another to put their confidence in you? Always believe in yourself and appear capable.

Relax yourself

It is okay to be uncomfortable about meeting a new person or being in a new group. Just relax yourself, tell yourself that you are good enough and see what you can do to make the other person more comfortable--if they're comfortable, you will be more comfortable. So take a few deep breaths, relax, and go be your fabulous self.

What next? Please add to it, I am tired. Thanks.