The New Year is a great time to think about first impressions. People make up their minds about things in an instant, and that first interaction they have of you stays with them for a long time. When you are able to make a positive first impression, you will be more persuasive and influential in all of your encounters with them.

Five Ways to Make a Positive First Impression

1. Appearance Counts. Dress appropriately for the individual or group you are meeting. Don't overdress or underdress. If you don’t know what’s appropriate, ask. 
   
   
2. Greet Others with Enthusiasm. Treat everyone you meet as though they were the “honored guest” in the room.
   
   
3. Use People’s Names. You can win big points by using a person’s name during your conversation with them.
   
   
4. Be Interested Rather than Interesting. Don’t try to be the life of the party. Ask questions and make the conversation be about them rather than you.
   
   
5. Smile. If you smile while you are talking, you become instantly likeable. Try it and see the difference it makes!