Nine golden Opening Moves

First impressions are the ‘love-at-first-sight’ of the business world.

Here are the Nine golden Opening Moves:

1.Your Entry:

When you are invited to enter a room, walk in without hesitation. Do not stand in the doorway like a naughty schoolchild waiting to see the headmaster. People who lack confidence change gears and perform a small shuffle as they enter a room. Walk through the door with purpose and maintain the same speed.

2.Your Approach:

Walk briskly, influential people and those who command attention walk briskly at a medium pace with medium length strides. People who walk slowly or take long strides convey that they have plenty of time on their hands, are not interested in what they are doing or have nothing else to do.

3.Your Handshake:

Keep your palm straight (vertical) and return the grip pressure you receive. Let the other person decide when to end the handshake. Never shake hands directly across a desk as it can leave the other person having the ‘Upper Hand’ over you.

4.Your Smile:

Make sure your teeth are visible when you smile, and smile with your whole face, not just your mouth.

5.The Eyebrow Flash:

This is an ancient acknowledgement signal that hardwired into the brain to be sent and received by others. Simply raise your eyebrows for a split second as you acknowledge the person.
6.when You Talk: Use a person’s name twice in the first 15 seconds and never talk for more than 30 seconds at a time. Speak at a slightly slower pace than they speak.

7.When you sit:
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f you are compelled to sit in a low chair directly facing the other person, turn away to an angle of 45 degree to the person to avoid being caught in the ‘reprimand’ position. If you can’t angle your chair, angle your body away.

8.Your Gestures:

Peoples who are cool, clam and in control of their emotions use clear, uncomplicated, deliberate movements. High status individuals use fewer gestures than low status individuals. Don’t raise your hands higher than your chain. To create rapport mirror the other persons gesture’s and expressions when appropriate.

9.Your Exit:

When you’re finished, pack your things calmly and deliberately- not in a frenzy- shake hands if possible, turn and walk out. If the door was closed when you entered, close it behind you as you leave. People watch you from behind as you leave so if you are a man, make sure the back of your shoes are shined. Hidden cameras show that, if you are a woman, others study your rear as you depart- whether you like or not. When you get to the door, turn around slowly and smile. Its better that recall your smiling face than your rear end.