There’s no doubting that networking can be nerve-wracking. We’re pre-programmed to fear the unknown, so it’s not surprising to worry about meetings with somebody you haven’t met before.

It all hangs on wanting the other person to like us. We want to seem professional, capable and likeable, in order to connect with the other party and do business well.

The answer could be emotional intelligence, a set of skills and qualities that allow people to form deeper relationships. Here are a few straightforward ways to make a great first impression:

1. Show genuine enthusiasm
   Business can be serious but don’t mistake professionalism with being poe-faced. Giving an authentic smile, adopting an open posture and making eye contact all suggest it genuinely is wonderful to meet them, after all.

2. Give a compliment
   If you are aware of a recent accomplishment the person or their business has achieved, compliment them straight away. People love talking about themselves, so if you don’t know anything about them, simply ask! Find out as much as you can about them, and always take the opportunity to make them feel good with a compliment.
3. Ask open-ended questions
   You may think you are bad at small talk, but there’s an easy trick to keep a conversation going. Make sure you ask open ended questions, such as “how did you get into your business?” or “what do you like most about it?”, rather than yes/no questions which can close down a conversation.
4. Pay full attention
   Fiddling with your smartphone during conversation is a surefire way to make somebody feel you aren’t listening to them. As such, they will leave with the general impression that they didn’t like you. Exclusively focus on the person you are speaking to, which will also make it easier to pick up on conversational cues.
5. Say their name before you leave
   The stomach-sinking feeling of greeting someone you have met before but forgotten their name is something everyone wants to avoid. The trick? Make sure you say their name throughout the conversation, and particularly when you’re about to leave. Ending with, “great to meet you Dan” will not only help cement their name but make them feel happy that you remember it and increase your overall likeability.

Make sure you’re prepared for whatever the future holds, call us on 0113 2500377