Make a Good First Impression

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

This is a great quote, that has been attributed to a couple different people over the years. Its importance in business cannot be overstated. Whether you're applying for a job, sitting in a conference room or meeting with an investor, the signals you send can truly make or break your career. The way you present yourself to others in the these first crucial minutes can have a large influence on that business relationship.

A large but often overlooked aspect of this is our nonverbal communication. When we think about communication, most of us think of the adage, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” While this is true, it’s not the whole truth.

One of the things we must account for is what our nonverbal communication says to people. Most studies show that nonverbal communication makes up a significant portion of our interaction with others. Your body language can show others your level of confidence, your interest in a project or even how you feel about them. Understanding body language can give you an added advantage by being able to read some of their cues and allow you to control the situation a little better.

Body language and nonverbal communication is in no way a perfect science. However, by honing this skill you could possibly take your career to the next level. This is an important life skill that can  impact your career and your social life.

Resources

Peruse these resources in increase your body language and nonverbal communication skills.

• Forbes article - How Body Language Can Impact Your Business Success
• Go to YouTube and check out a video on nonverbal communication.