Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 23

LESSON 23 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Your 10-Second First Impression

Forty ways to make a strong first impression in ten seconds, with posture, face, voice and words.

First impressions form fast. You control more than you think.

12 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

12 tips that really help

These ideas come from Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount), Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman), The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

First impressions form in seconds

People decide quickly whether they like and trust you, mostly from how you look and sound.

TRY THIS
Notice how you open a conversation.

TIP 2

Start with a real smile

A natural smile signals warmth and safety and makes the other person relax too.

TRY THIS
Smile before saying hello.

TIP 3

Stand with open, steady posture

Shoulders back and arms uncrossed show confidence without arrogance.

TRY THIS
Check yourself in a mirror.

TIP 4

Say their name early

Using a person’s name shows respect and helps them feel noticed.

TRY THIS
Repeat it once in your greeting.

TIP 5

Speak clearly and at a calm pace

A steady voice sounds assured and helps people understand you easily.

TRY THIS
Slow down by ten percent.

TIP 6

Make a short, friendly opening line

A warm, simple greeting such as thank you for your time today sets the tone.

TRY THIS
Write yours down.

TIP 7

Look at them when they speak

Attention is the strongest compliment, so give it fully for the first moments.

TRY THIS
Keep your phone out of sight.

TIP 8

Dress tidy and appropriate

Clean, suitable clothing says you care about the meeting and the person.

TRY THIS
Prepare your outfit the night before.

TIP 9

Be on time

Arriving punctually shows respect and avoids a rushed, apologetic start.

TRY THIS
Leave earlier than you need.

TIP 10

Mind your energy

A calm, positive energy makes people feel at ease, while rushing creates tension.

TRY THIS
Pause before you enter.

TIP 11

Avoid common first-minute mistakes

Interrupting, talking about yourself too much or checking your phone harm trust quickly.

TRY THIS
List the habits to avoid.

TIP 12

Ask for feedback from a friend

Someone you trust can tell you how you come across and what to adjust.

TRY THIS
Ask a friend this week.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

GREET

“Hello, I am Sam. It is good to meet you.”

SMILE

“It is a pleasure.”

NAME

“I am Sam from Bright Tools.”

THANKS

“Thank you for seeing me.”

INTEREST

“I have been looking forward to this.”

“I will let you get on.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Practise your first ten seconds

DAY 2
Check your posture

DAY 3
Smile before you enter

DAY 4
Use a firm handshake

DAY 5
Say your name clearly

DAY 6
Record yourself

DAY 7
Ask a friend for feedback

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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