Meeting New People

Make a good first impression – take each introduction seriously.

Eye contact: maintain it! Don’t take them off the person you are meeting until the introduction is complete (meaning don’t be looking around the room for friends)
Use some memory tricks to remember his/her name
It may not be a time to have a short conversation but be sure to close the introduction with, “It was a pleasure to meet you”
It is ok to ask the name of someone you met you may see a bit later. Say, “Forgive me, I know we just met, but help me with your name again. But then, don’t forget.
Smile, be totally pleasant, complimentary, ask the person questions about them, don’t go spouting off about yourself. If they starts by asking about you, of course answer but at some point, turn questions to her.
Use first names when out of college ; use Mr. or Mrs. in high school and college
Fixing a bad first impression is almost impossible.

Seek out someone who is by him/herself – walk over and say, “Hi, – would you like some company? I’m new to this group so it would nice to meet you.” Then ask some questions.
View each person you meet as a possible fantastic business contact.
When sitting alone and another person is sitting alone, go out of your way to ask if you can join them.
Joining a group conversation, “Hi, I’m new to the group – I’d be delighted to meet you all.”
By asking questions, it usually takes no more than three to find something you have in common. The conversation will flow easily from this point. Make the questions interesting. Could be about an article of clothing; the company ID on a name tag.

-RR