How can you improve this?
Record yourself while you are talking. That is the only way you can look at yourself as a second person and see what you are doing with your body and voice. Only when you are aware of what you are unconsciously radiating, can you also make adjustments.
Also ask people around you or ask people you don't know what their first impression of you is. This can be confronting, but it will teach you a lot. Are you asking for an expert rate while you come across as a beginner at a first meeting? Then something is wrong somewhere. WHAT you say and HOW you do it must match.
Why is a first impression so important?
The first impression determines the course of the further relationship with someone. If you have given a 'wrong' first impression, that person will not do business with you and will not think of you when suitable assignments come along. In this society with a lot of hustle and competition, there is always someone who is better suited. The chance that you will get a second chance to make an impression is not great. In order to improve the first impression, someone really has to consciously give you another chance.
Make sure you are in a positive mood beforehand. Approach people with an open attitude and an open, friendly look. We are attracted to open and positive people. So if you are already in that mood before you go, you will be able to make contact more easily at the party.
Make sure you never lean on anything, that looks like you can't stand on your own two feet. If you notice that you do that often, just sit down. Then you will feel more comfortable and the other person will feel better too. If you feel uncomfortable, someone else will pick up on that.
Stand perpendicular to someone as much as possible, rather than opposite them. If you stand directly opposite someone, you can be considered an opponent.
When shaking hands, look someone in the eye and smile. Match their strength and make sure you don't have sweaty hands.
When introducing someone, repeat their name. This way you will remember it better and the other person will immediately feel addressed. Hearing your name immediately feels familiar to everyone.
Don't talk too much about yourself, but show hospitality industry email list genuine interest in someone else. Everyone comes to get something, so give the other person space to do so. Ask critical questions and show what you have to offer.
Stay away from anything standard. Predictability makes people go to sleep. Be original, for example by describing your job in a funny way. Be sincere. Sincerity shows and your body shows that automatically.
Remember that the people at the networking event are not your only future network. It is mainly about who they know and what they hear, which can make them think of you. So don't just focus on what you can get from this person, but especially on the positive image you want to leave behind. If you are recommended by someone else, your first impression is already made before you have even met someone.
The first 10 seconds of your pitch
Every entrepreneur needs to have their pitch ready, to tell everyone they meet. Whether it's at a networking event or a birthday party. The pitch also goes on your website and video pitches are all the rage these days.
How can you ensure that people get excited about your pitch.