Meeting new people is important in developing relationships and your personal and professional network. Being able to build friendships and relationships is important in life and can help build a support network when needed.
For some, meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating and nerve-racking. Making a first impression is important but is not as hard as you think.
Below are some tips for making the most out of meeting someone for the first time:
1) Take Time To Know The Other Person and Avoid Giving Your Own Verbal Autobiography - Monopolizing the conversation and only talking about yourself could be a turn off right away and might even bore the other person. Take time to find out what his or her interests are, what passions he or she might have and his or her interests. Take time to get to know the other person rather then re-living your entire life in just one conversation. It will show you are interested in getting to know the other person and not promoting yourself.
2) We Were Given Two Ears and One Mouth So We Could Listen Twice as Often as We Talk - Before my senior year of college, a network contact of mine (who I still keep in touch with to this day) mentioned this to me and it really resonated with me. Take the time to listen to the other person in conversation. By listening, you will know what to ask next, learn more about the person sitting across the table from you and be able to hold a conversation better. You will be able to find more to talk about and know more about the person in the end.
3) Make Eye Contact - I'll admit that I have trouble with this one at times and it is more noticeable then you think. If you aren't making eye contact, people will notice. Not making eye contact could be a turn off to some people. Make sure to make eye contact with the person and it may even help you listen better.
4) Be Relaxed - This one might be hard to do but relax when sitting down with someone for the first time. Meeting new people is something that will never change in life and be relaxed and calm during the first meeting. Being uptight could make it difficult to listen, hold a conversation or learn more about that person.
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