Mission Possible: Five Quick Ways to Make a Dynamic Impression

SCENARIO: You are at a party with the elite social and business crowd. You want to mingle and meet some dynamic people to add to your continuing list of contacts. You have only ONE goal in mind: WORK THE ROOM AND GET NOTICED!

MISSION ONE: Leave a permanent impression
1. When introducing yourself to someone, REMEMBER his or her name and use it gratuitously during your conversation. People most remember how you treat them, not necessarily what flows out of your mouth during conversation. Everyone wants that feel-good, warm fuzzy feeling when speaking to someone. Freely give genuine compliments and be sincere when receiving compliments as well. A little warm fuzzy goes a long way!

MISSION TWO: Make sure your personal brand stands out
2. Create a distinctive persona for yourself. You should be well aware of your areas of weakness: wardrobe, manners, speaking skills, dining etiquette, etc. Take time to sharpen and enhance these areas before the big day. Create such an impression that it forces others to remark about your superior skills. This is your one and only life...you can create whatever persona you like...just be certain and sure of it. You don't have to sell yourself so diligently if your personal brand speaks for itself.

MISSION THREE: Let your calling card speak for itself
3. If you have a business or calling card, tailor it to your personality and your profession. Although those Internet business cards may have been free, they also make a statement about the value of you and your services. You can be perceived as being rather economical, but on the flip side, you may be perceived as being cheap and tawdry. You ultimately decide how you want others to perceive you. It's no one's fault but your own if they don't value you as highly as you should value yourself.

MISSION FOUR: Leave an imprint that makes others savor for more....
4. Create some mystery for yourself. Although you want to become a lasting memory in others' minds, don't give them every detail about your chaotic or mundane existence. The key is to leave them with just enough information that piques their interest and intellect. Nothing is more dreadful that a beautiful bore or a horrific time hog.

MISSION FIVE: Challenge yourself and venture into unknown territory
5. The most successful guest mixes and mingles while working the crowd. Don't let fear suspend your brain activity and speech when meeting new people. If need be, put on your invisible cape of strength and be bold. Underneath the glitz, glamour, money, and brainpower, everyone in the room is probably thinking the exact same thing: I hope that they like me. Do I look okay? Do I have lettuce in my teeth? Have confidence in knowing that your self-awareness and self-confidence keeps you one step ahead of the rest. Now work that room and make mama proud!

MISSION COMPLETE!