9 Things
Successful People Do When They Meet Someone
Preparing for
meetings is critical, whether you're having
them internally or doing
a deal with a critical partner. It's no less
important to prepare for a first meeting with anyone.
You never know
in advance the roles you and people you meet will play in each other's lives.
Research suggests that you make a first
impression in the "blink of an eye." Not only are people judging you, but you are judging them, often
without being aware of the process. Such an approach leaves enormous room for
accident on the part of both you and the other person. What if the person
you're meeting could, in the right circumstances, become a staunch friend, love
interest, business partner, mentor, or ally in some cause?
Stopping human perception is impossible.
However, you can be aware of what is happening and strive for ways to undertake
a meeting with more control. Here are nine actions that can help you be more
successful.
Do research ahead of time
Some meetings are accidental, but many
aren't. Do the research you can to see what you can learn about the other
person. Maybe it's professional experience, background, or personal interests.
Make an effort before the meeting that might influence how you see it and the
other person.
Prepare for the context
There's a big difference between a blind
date, a first discussion with a new supplier, and a job interview (no matter
which side you represent). To understand the dynamics of meeting someone,
consider the context and realize that you're seeing only a limited view.
Remember that no one is comfortable
Few people are really comfortable meeting
other people. There are fragile egos and self-images at play. If you're
uncomfortable, recognize that the other person is as well and focus on putting him
or her at ease. You'll forget your own problems in the process.
Smile in a relaxed manner
Smiling when meeting someone is old advice.
But not all smiles are alike. You've probably met people who put on big yet
insincere grins when meeting someone. It can be off-putting when you give
someone the sense you're getting ready to sell them a used car. Let a smile
come genuinely out of the chance to be pleasantly surprised, learn something
new, and perhaps strike a relationship that might become important in the
future. (And even a smile might be inappropriate under some cultural
expectations, depending on the context of the meeting.)
Look someone in the eyes, but not in a psycho
way
Like smiling,
looking directly into someone's eyes is rote advice. However, avoid making this
an inadvertent contest or test of domination. Remember, too, cultures
handle eye contact differently. A
comfortable meeting of the eyes in the U.S. might be seen as impolite or even
aggressive in other countries. Do some research to learn the rules, depending
on the person you're about to meet. If you can't learn ahead of time, take cues
off their body language and posture.
Offer a culturally-acceptable greeting
In a global world, rather than a narrow and
parochial one, greetings vary, and what is expected in one culture could be
impolite in another. A handshake might be acceptable between two people of the
same gender but not for a man and a woman. In some countries, a slight bow
might be considered appropriate.
Take note of their surroundings for clues
about them
If you meet in someone's office, at their
home, or in another place they frequently inhabit, look around for clues to
them. Are there family pictures? What types of books and art do they prefer? Do
furnishings suggest someone with traditional or avant-garde tastes? Get to know
them by paying attention.
Concentrate on the other person
Focus on the needs, interests, and comfort of
the other person. That doesn't mean to ignore your own interests, if the
meeting is for a specific purpose. But do turn outward so you don't miss the
existence of the other person. If a relationship of any type comes of this, it
will be with him or her.
Don't overstay your welcome
A first meeting will more likely than not
have a natural progression and span. Be aware of signs the other person is
ready to move onto other interests and obligations. As the old entertainment
saying goes, leave 'em asking for more. Then there's a greater chance that the
other person will look forward to a second meeting rather than find ways to
duck it.
BY ERIK
SHERMAN
http://www.inc.com/erik-sherman/9-things-successful-people-do-when-they-meet-someone.html?cid=em01016week29a
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