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How to Impress Anyone, and in Business

  1. Be on time. Punctuality is essential. You should never tolerate late arrivals and missed deadlines for yourself or anyone else.
  2. Do your homework. Wasting other people's time due to poor planning and thoughtlessness will only leave a bad impression.
  3. Make a mental dossier on people. Before meeting people for the first time, do some research on them. People will be flattered if you reference a deal you know they've done or a charity they're involved in.
  4. Remember people's names and small details about them. Use both in conversation. People love to hear their names and their stories said out loud.
  5. Be honest. Most people can smell a lie and will appreciate honesty, even if it's not exactly what they want to be hearing.
  6. Let other people talk. Any business conversation should be two-sided.
  7. Be self-deprecating and disarming. Don't be a bulldozer in business; save your hardest edge for when you need it most. (Trump).