How can you make a lasting impression in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone?

An Elevator pitch Template that will help you impress in 30 secs :- 1. Introduce Hi, I’m [name], a [what you do (position) ]. Its Nice to meet you. 2. Mention the Problem [Ideal customer] face/need help with [Pain Points]. 3. How do you solve the problem ? And I help [solution] by using [Your Method]. 4. USP The Great Part Is [Explain how you stand out]. 5. Result I have been able to bring results like [Mention the results with numbers]. 6. Call To Action Ask whatever you want them to do. For Example, it can be for another meeting. Remember, 1. Personalize ( There is no one size fits all, so change and Personalize it ). 2. Be confident.

The best approach I subscribe to is start with your Why. Why do you do what you do. In my case that would be “breaking down human barriers by revealing my guest’s vulnerable and authentic self and create enduring bonds with the community”. That spurs the conversation forward about the What and How. Title, Name,Company are all secondary.

A crucial element in your elevator pitch is managing your differentiation from competitors. Differentiation helps you stand out and make a memorable impression in a short amount of time. Differentiation helps you capture your listener's attention immediately and also convey expertise and credibility. This could be your unique skills, experiences, or the specific benefits you offer. For instance, I often mention While there are numerous Personal Branding Consultants, what sets me apart in the digital era is my ability to ensure your personal brand ranks on the first page of Google. I am also a SEO Specialist.. in a crowded marketplace, people hear many pitches. If yours sounds like everyone else's, it's less likely to be memorable.

To make a lasting impression in the first 30 seconds, start with a confident, genuine smile and maintain eye contact. 1. Offer a firm, but not overpowering handshake. 2. Show active listening by nodding and responding appropriately. 3. Use a warm and enthusiastic tone when introducing yourself. 4. Be positive, polite, and respectful to create a memorable and favorable initial impression.

If you are someone overthinker like me, don't go with any template thing. Instead, work on yourself with 3 things - 1. Confidence. 2. Self-esteem. 3. Positive self-talk. If you have 3 things, the only problem you will face is how to initiate msg with strangers and leave an impression. For example - You attend a networking event, and you want to talk with a stranger who is the founder. Approach him and introduce yourself. Talk about how excited you were for the event or something you noticed/observed, or say something relevant yet out of the box. Ask about the founder and be curious to know more. Your curiosity will make the conversation keep going, and the founder will connect with you out of the networking event.

You need to make the person feel that you wish to 'connect' with them, sometimes at an emotional level. Those first few seconds can be vital in establishing that connection. Make the other person feel they are the most important person to you at that moment. If you are distracted or have your attention elsewhere, the other person will get the subliminal message that they are not that important to you, and will rarely get a feeling of connection.

Eye contact, a big smile, a firm handshake and asking for the person's name often delivers the lasting impression. The charm and aura comes in tandem with confidence.

Smile and eye contact: the Jedi mind tricks of social interaction. It's the secret sauce, the magic wand that says, "Hey, I'm not a robot, let's vibe!" But here's the plot twist: Some folks are out here smiling like they just won the lottery, but their eyes scream "I left the oven on." Genuine warmth, people! Master the art of the non-verbal dance, or you'll end up in the social awkwardness Olympics. So, flash those pearly whites, let your eyes sparkle, and watch as the world wonders if you're a social butterfly or a secret agent plotting world domination.

Eye contact and confidence are crucial! Even if you have an elevator pitch memorized, if you deliver it with a shaky voice and zero eye contact, it's not delivered! Eye contact and a smile on your face instantly project confidence and give you an upper hand in situations.

Even your energy has a Personal Brand...?? A nice smile goes a long way. People can feel your energy, keep it positive and friendly.

Lead with their name and give them a genuine compliment, probably for something that they care about. It might be their shoes, or their watch or just the way they think. Something that I have learnt over time is ending the conversation with their name and a leading CTA.

At the conclusion of your interaction, shake hands and repeat your name - Again, I'm Rich, it was nice to meet you - it helps the other person remember! Added bonus: it will trigger the other person to repeat their name (just in case you have already forgotten).

The sweetest word to any person is their name. Using their name will instantly create focus, warmth, and rapport. But don't use it too much.

Remember: - Maintain eye contact and give your full attention. - Show empathy and active listening. - Make the other person feel valued and important in that moment.

I love this approach at meetings when you don't know anyone. But I also use it at a slightly higher level by seeking people out when they perform in public. Whether someone is giving a political speech, a Ted talk, is part of a panel discussion or performs in public as a singer, actor or musician - complimenting them on their performance is a natural and powerful way to connect with them. You'll be hard to forget when you boost someone's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Once you've let people know that you're an authentic and genuine fan, exchanging contact information or setting up a one-on-one comes naturally.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." - Oscar Wilde Open-ended questions can be a powerful tool for making a lasting impression. Here's how: Show Your Curiosity Thought-Provoking Opener: "What inspired you to get into [their profession or field]?" Listen Actively Listen to the responses and ask follow-up questions. Empathize and Relate Connect on a personal level. For instance, if they mention a challenging project, you could say, "I can relate to the pressure of tight deadlines. How do you manage to stay on track?" End with a Forward-Looking Question Leave door open for future discussions. For example, "It's been great hearing about your work in [their field]. What exciting projects do you have in the pipeline?"

Closed-ended questions are the fast food of conversations—quick but unsatisfying. Level up your dialogue game with open-ended questions. Think of them as the GPS to the scenic route of a person's mind. Instead of "Did you enjoy your weekend?" try "What made your weekend epic?" Watch as conversations evolve from small talk to a TED Talk. Open-ended questions: because a chat about the weather is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Closed questions are the vampires of conversation—suck the life out. Open-ended questions? They're the superheroes, the caped crusaders of dialogue. Don't be the interrogator armed with yes-or-no handcuffs; be the detective armed with the mighty open-ended magnifying glass. When you ask, "Did you like it?" you get a nod or a shake. Yawn. But throw in an open-ended gem like, "What did you find intriguing about it?" and suddenly, it's a conversation ballet, a dance of ideas. Open-ended questions aren't just questions; they're the keys unlocking the treasure chest of rich, meaningful conversations. So, my friend, ditch the interrogation room, and step into the exploration wonderland.

Instead of opening the conversation with the standard, "What do you do?" which is usually dull and cliche, I start with, "What is your passion?" It throws people off for a moment, but then they smile and think for a moment. I think it demonstrates my genuine interest in them as a person, rather than generic small talk.

Great open-ended questions are like TED: "Tell, Explain, Describe" questions. If you ask closed-ended questions, the conversation can get cut short, but opening up questions will allow the person to talk more about themself and give you a great view into their world, and yours too.

Imagine you're at a tech conference, and you meet a potential collaborator. Instead of diving into your own accomplishments, ask about their current projects, challenges, and what excites them most about the tech industry. Your genuine interest and engagement will leave a positive mark.

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to make a lasting impression is by listening, not speaking. NLP teaches the art of active listening, which involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to what the other person is saying. When you listen intently, you show the person that they matter, creating a memorable interaction.

Listening is a dying art. In today’s time when attention span is less than 3 seconds, if you lend a listening ear you end up making a lasting impression.

Active listening: the social superpower in the first-impression arsenal. Yet, beware the fine line between empathy and performative nodding. Are we genuine listeners or actors in a conversational play? It's a delicate dance where sincerity battles the urge to impress. In this symphony of connection, don't let the harmony be drowned by the applause-seeking solo. So, listen with intent, not just for your turn to speak. Because, in the end, authenticity is the secret sauce for relationships—no amount of empathetic nods can replace a truly heard and understood conversation.

Active, empathetic listening is the key to a memorable first impression. It's more than hearing words; it's understanding and valuing the person. It shows you care, builds trust, and fosters a strong connection from the start.

"Why don't we connect over LinkedIn?" is my favourite CTA to follow. I keep my LinkedIn QR handy and make sure to drop a message upon connecting to further cement the connection/impression.

"I write/talk about this stuff all the time on my LinkedIn" is something I've said a handful of times already this week. It encourages people to follow me for more educational content, builds some extra credibility because of the strong branding, and establishes a bridge instead of leaving with a bottomless gap.

End with a clear call to action. It's the bridge to the next steps in your relationship, showing your proactive commitment to staying connected and nurturing the bond.

My favorite follow up is sharing someone a piece of material or a link to an article which I trust they'd be interested in, based on our conversation. This shows you've truly listened, understood and learned to know them... and importantly, can now add value to them as part of their network.

- Making a lasting impression in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone is an art that blends confidence, authenticity, and respect. - Begin with a warm smile and maintain eye contact to convey sincerity and approachability. Offer a firm, yet not overpowering handshake to exude confidence. - Engage in active listening; show genuine interest in what they're saying. Remember and use their name during the conversation as it fosters a sense of importance. - Be concise in your introduction, do not sound pompous. - Avoid dominating the conversation; let them speak and share their thoughts. Ultimately, the key lies in being present in the moment, valuing their time, and leaving them with a sense of connection.

Throughout the interaction, maintaining an upbeat and positive attitude is essential. Positivity is contagious and can help create a pleasant atmosphere. By radiating enthusiasm and optimism, you leave a lasting impression as someone who brings positive energy into their interactions. This can make you memorable and leave the other person feeling uplifted and inspired. So, let your positivity shine like a beacon!

In our digital age, often our first '30 seconds' is online, not face-to-face. Ensure that your online profiles, especially on professional networks, are not just factually accurate but also emotionally compelling. Some things to consider. Much like a confident handshake, your profile picture should convey trust and professionalism. Instead of just listing your roles or job titles, infuse your bio with core values or beliefs that drive you. This not only showcases your personality but also appeals to the emotional faculties of the reader. On all platforms, ensure that your message and brand remain consistent. Discrepancies can lead to cognitive dissonance, which can negatively impact the impression you’re trying to make.

Find common ground. Try to identify common interests or topics to connect with. This helps establish rapport quickly. Common ground can be found easily in non-verbal cues such as clothing, accessories, or body language. If you notice something you have in common, like a shared hobby or interest, you can use that as a conversation starter. As a woman, it is very easy for me to start a conversation based on a woman's style, combination of colors, or patterns of clothes. The way someone dresses usually tells you something about their personality. There have been studies that have shown that colors can convey meanings and emotions. For example, red is associated with power, confidence, attention-grabbing, and yellow with happiness and optimism.

Great article with excellent tips!? Beyond those, if I only had 30 seconds to make a lasting impression I'd size up the situation, and start the conversation by?saying something relatable. Honestly, a humorous observation works wonders! Feeling connected is important, I've found being genuine & relatable makes a lasting impression.