There’s no second chance to make a good first impression. So here are 10 timely tips from The MBA Exchange to help you present yourself in the most positive light when meeting influencers:
2. "Break the ice" with a friendly, positive observation about the setting you're in.
3. Ask for and use the other person's name naturally throughout the conversation.
4. Inject a little humor now and then, especially if the joke is about yourself.
5. Ask sincere questions on relevant topics and express appreciation for the answers.
6. Find some "common ground" – a mutual interest or experience -- as quickly as possible.
7. Share something about yourself about which the other person would be unlikely to ask.
8. Offer to follow up with some information or an introduction that could benefit the other person.
9. Be respectful of the other person's time and priorities by ending the conversation graciously with sincere thanks when it begins to slow down.
10. Follow up the next day with a brief email of appreciation for the conversation and suggestion to sustain this new connection.
Looking for more expert guidance and support to discover your strengths and mitigate your vulnerabilities? We’d like to get to know you through a free evaluation of your MBA candidacy, providing feedback to help you make even better first impressions.