How to make a killer first impression

Online dating tends to rely on first impressions rather a lot. All you've got is your profile and your photos to grab someone's attention, so it's really worth putting a lot of thought and effort in to both. Luckily for MSFers, your friend puts in some hours too and writes your description for you, which works in your favour because your friend will pretty much always be more gung ho positive on your behalf than you ever would allow yourself to be (unless you're super arrogant confident). However, paradoxical as this will sound, you'll have to make a second first impression when you actually meet your date in real life, and here is where you can really turn heads.

A new book called 'The Millionaires' Handbook: How to Look and Act like a Millionaire, Even if You're Not' by Vicky Oliver caught our attention because it has some excellent advice on that all important first meeting. The book is actually geared towards the world of business, but a lot of her tips make perfect sense for making an impression on that all important first date. We've picked a few of our favourites.

1. Be positive

It's a very simple thing but it makes such a difference. If you meet someone for the first time and they spend the date moaning it's a big, fat turn off. Moaning is unattractive because it displays a selfish 'me-me-me' attitude and, whilst we all indulge in a bit of a moan sometimes, it's not what we want our date to remember about us. There's no need to be a perma-grinning loon, but an upbeat and sunny vibe will work wonders for you. 

2. Find your power colour

Or, know what colours and clothes suit you. It's a simple fact of life that we can't all just throw on a spotted suit and some thick framed glasses and look like Tinie Tempah rather than BoBo the Clown, so it's good to develop an idea of what works for you and what doesn't. If your clothes fit well, suit your shape and are in reasonable nick you'll make a favourable impression instantly. The details help the overall package too; pay attention to hair, skin and nails, whether you're male or female.

3. Appear calm

The operative word here is 'appear'; your emotions might be doing handstands on the inside, but an unruffled exterior will look good and also help your date to relax. The best way to appear calm is to allow yourself plenty of time. Arrive to your date early and spend 15 minutes somewhere near by sitting quietly and breathing deeply. This will allow you to arrive unflustered and in control.

4. Remember their name

Now, this rule applies more to a business meeting as, we presume, you're only meeting one person and should be able to keep a firm grasp on their name without much effort. What will make a good impression though, is if you remember some information from their profile. If you've remembered their job, or their hobby, or ask them what was going on in that crazy secondary picture they'll know you've paid attention to their profile and will be very flattered.

5. Prep for it

You may think there's little else you can do to prepare other than dress your best and turn up on time, but a few minutes forethought will go a long way. Have another read of their profile and your initial email contact and remember any details that you think may be important or make decent conversational fodder and think up a couple of interesting questions to move your chat along should you suddenly find yourselves sitting in silence. This preparation will oomph up your charisma and sparkle and impress the bejesus out of your date.

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