Whether you are meeting a new Client, or pitching to an Investor, or appearing for a Job Interview; a lot gets decided in the first meeting itself. Renowned Executive Coach, Ms. Shital Kakkar Mehra writes for SuperCFO on what one should do to Master the First Impression. 

1. MASTER THE FIRST IMPRESSION
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Often we say that we don't judge a book by its cover but are constantly swayed by presentation! Within minutes, or
maybe even seconds, we have made up our minds. Research shows that within a few seconds of meeting a person, we
have decided whether we like them or not and spend the balance time collecting data to back our decision. This is in
tune with what Malcolm Gladwell wrote in his best-selling book “Blink” about how we make decisions literally in the
amount it takes us to blink! Can you make a great impression in the first seven seconds of meeting a person? According
to research, seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a first impression.
Understand
What
Forms First
Impressions
Greeting
with Finesse
Words
Matter!
Body
Language
You Are Your
Best Visual
Use People’s
Names
Listen! Listen!
Listen!

2. Understand What
Forms First Impressions
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In your first meeting, you do not have time to
waste and it will help you if you understand how
people make their first judgment and what you can
do to control the results. In face-to-face meetings,
93% of how you are judged is based on non-verbal
communication - your appearance and your body
language. Only 7% is influenced by the words that
you speak. Clearly, it's not just what you say - it's
how you say it and how you are looking!
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3. You Are Your
Best Visual
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People first notice your face, then your hair and
finally your feet. Whether you notice these things
or not, be rest assured that your clients/ bosses /
prospective clients are! People prefer to do
business with people they like – well-groomed,
smartly attired and neat works, no matter
whatever is your industry or job.
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4. Greeting with Finesse
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The first move you make when meeting anyone in
the workplace is to greet them – it can be a
handshake, a “namaste” or the time of the day
(e.g. Good Morning or Good Evening). A warm,
cheerful greeting is often the beginning of a good
business relationship. Offering refreshment like
tea/coffee/ water is a part of our South Asian
culture and is universally appreciated.
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5. Use People’s Names
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A little tip which goes a long way - everybody loves
the sound of their own name! When conversing, by
using your client’s name initially, you are sending a
message that you value that person and their
business. However, remember to reserve using first
names for casual set-ups only.
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6. Words Matter!
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Although your words make up a mere 7% of what
people think of you in a one-on-one encounter,
don't leave them to chance. Words like "thank
you", "please", “certainly” can go a long way -say it
everywhere, say it to your client, say it to your
staff, say it out aloud! Clients appreciate you when
you appreciate them.
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7. Listen! Listen! Listen!
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To cement a new relationship, demonstrate that
you fully comprehend the needs of your
client/business partner. Listen to what's wanted
and summarize and revert with sentences like”Let
me see if I understand…"
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8. Body Language
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Studies show that people who walk 10-20% faster
than others are viewed as important and energetic!
Pick up the pace and walk with confidence - you
never know who may be watching! A smile or a
pleasant expression tells people around you that
you are glad to be with them. Eye contact says you
are paying attention and are interested in what is
being said. Leaning slightly forward when speaking
makes you appear engaged and involved in the
conversation.
In the business environment, you plan your every
move yet potential clients/ bosses pop up in the
most unexpected places and at the most bizarre
times. For that reason, leave nothing to chance.
Every time you walk into your place of work, be
ready to make a powerful first impression.
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9. Shital Kakkar Mehra is India’s leading Executive Presence Coach. With over
20 years’ of experience, Shital has personally trained over 45,000
professionals across industries, including numerous CEO’s from leading multi-
national and progressive Indian companies. Her reputation as a cutting-edge
expert comes from her depth of knowledge and the unique way she blends
the Indian corporate ethos, with global best-in-class practices.
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About the Author:
Shital has conducted workshops for a diverse set of organizations across Asia, which includes Corporates,
Management Institutes and Trade Bodies. Shital is an acclaimed public orator and best-selling author. Her
book, Business Etiquette: A Guide for the Indian Professional (Harper Collins) has sold over 47,000 copies,
and has been translated into several regional Indian languages. It can also be found on the library shelves of
global academic institutes including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Oxford and Cambridge.
Shital is an active philanthropist, and serves on the board of Katalyst, an NGO for underprivileged girls and
Third Sector Partners (TSP), a premier Executive Search firm that enhances leadership caliber in the socio-
developmental sector.

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About SuperCFO:
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