FBLA Exploring Professionalism- Proper Introductions and Eye Contact

Describe how a handshake is still the professional standard.

A handshake is the professional standard as it is both respectful as well as gives a sense of confidence or a positive tone to the experience. Even though this may be self-explanatory, a handshake helps to show that this is a very professional interaction as opposed to a high five or fist bump.

. Explain the importance of direct eye contact.

Direct eye contact shows that you are confident as well as always actively listening, giving the other person a sense that you are paying attention.

Explain situations when handshakes are not appropriate (illness, pandemic)

There may be some situations in which handshakes are not appropriate as there may be some type of health related hazard involved, or any other circumstance, making it important to acknowledge these instances.

Define the importance of active listening when meeting another person.

Active listening can…

• Give the other person a sense of trust because they can tell you are paying attention

• Gives them a sense of fulfillment that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say

What is the impact of remembering someone’s name quicky.

It shows respect and gives the person a sense of value, enhancing the overall interaction.

Explain the power of a first impression.

• A first impression can be everything to creating a relationship and networking.

• A lot of the time a first impression can be very long lasting

• Give full impact on whether or not someone values you as a person.

When you meet new people you should…..

Avoid making value judgements about people you meet (ex: they’re bad and/or good people)

Should you respect one's personal space or come in very close and make them uncomfortable?

Respect people’s personal space so they can be in an environment in which they are comfortable with you.

Explain the importance of self-assessment to improve the first impressions you make

Self assessment is a good way to see what someone might see you as and with that you can see if that is the type of impression you want to make on that person.

Explain why the initial introduction is not a time to pursue a sale.

• The intro is not the time to pursue a sale because..

  • It may make them feel as though you are only there for a sale

  • It may make them feel you may be greedy or something along those lines.

  • These things can be bad when trying to network with others.

Explain the importance of choosing words wisely to make a positive first impression.

Choosing specific words may give you the ability to persuade them (without their knowledge, of course) to think of you in a good way and have a lasting impression on them.

Explain the power of saying please and thank you

The power of saying please and thank you is extremely powerful, showing that you have manners, showing that you have professionalism and respect.

When talking to someone in a specific setting/trying to make a first impression

Avoid discussing politics and religion as these can be controversial topics and may make them upset or uncomfortable around you based on your stances on these topics.

To show a more leader like approach and express your networking to the person you are conversing with…

Acknowledge others and when in doubt, introduce people to others at the event.

Explain how business card pushing can be a turn off to other people.

Pushing a business card onto someone may make them feel as though this is a very transactional exchange or sales-oriented, making the other person feel awkward or uncomfortable.