Make your 1st impression good

How many times have we heard? "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." As remedial as it may sound it’s very true, especially in today’s rushed and somewhat self centered world. Take the following tips to heart. Use them as you build your power team, your buyers and sellers list and in your daily acquaintances. They will set you apart, and will help you build repoire with others.

 Look up and make eye contact. Making eye contact with people gives them the impression that you are able to be trusted, you are honest and self-confident. All of these are qualities that everyone in business looks for.

 Pay attention. Watch those people you are speaking with, and pay attention to what they are saying, both verbally and with their body language. Are they excitedly talking and have open body language, or are they monotone and closed? If they are excited, you need to show the same enthusiasm. Where as if you encounter someone who is closed, you need to respond with warmer tones, and demonstrate open body language. It’s habit to mirror what you are receiving from another individual, and in some cases is proper and correct, but when you encounter someone who is closed, don’t mirror what you are seeing. Always stand facing the other person. Don’t cross your arms in front of you, keep yourself open. And most important, never interrupt them! Let them finish their sentence, while showing sincere interest.

 Ask probing questions, then listen. As a general rule, people enjoy talking about themselves. Knowing this, ask about their real estate experience, family, etc. After asking these questions, listen. If you are a good listener, and allow a person to talk about him or herself. They will leave the conversation regarding you as extremely interesting and genuine, and you will leave with a lot of information, and a great repoire that you can build on.

 Smile! When you smile, people see you as warm and friendly. They also view you as an individual who is easy to approach. An additional benefit of smiling is that when you give someone a sincere smile, it’s almost impossible for them to not smile back. Smiling at someone releases hormones in the brain that encourage people to relate those feelings back to you.

 Dress for success. The old adage that says “it’s what’s on the inside that really counts” is correct, but not always adhered to. Unfortunately, a substantial amount of what we think about someone is based on how they look. If you see someone in dirty overalls, unshaven and bad breath what is your first impression? My point exactly. But that impression could be completely incorrect, however the first impression has been made. You don't need to look like you just stepped off the runway, but you must have a clean, neat and uncluttered persona. Make sure that includes your breath. Nothing is worse than having a face to face conversation with someone who has bad breath.

By following these few guidelines, your first impression will be one that will make you shine. Now get out there and SHINE!