Making a great first impression is so important, and it only takes a little more effort than a “good” first impression. It requires the same exact time, one to fifteen seconds depending whose research you believe. Smile more, be excited. Show more enthusiasm. Stand up straight and throw your shoulders back. No more wet noodle handshakes. No bone-crusher handshakes either. Give people your full, undivided attention. Look them right in the eye. Have your business cards with you at the ready.
Today is a good time to buy that fancy business card holder you’ve always wanted. It will protect your cards from bending and getting dirty. You might be surprised how many people forget to carry their cards. What’s the point of having a business card it it’s left back at the office? Get the one with your initials on it. You’re planning to stick around awhile right? Let the competition hold their cards together with a cheap rubber band, if they even remember to bring them.