How To Make Them Never Forget You

We meet so many people on a daily basis that it sometimes feels impossible to make a lasting impression. Isn't it crazy how at school we are taught so many things that most of us actually don't use in our adult lives?! I really wish at school I was taught how to build my confidence, how to speak in public, and how to make good impressions with new people... but instead I was taught Pythagoras's theorem (boring!!!).

What's that saying again? "Better late than never". So here we go, here is how to make them never forget you!!

Even if you are not doing anything law related, this applies will apply to you throughout your life.

1. Look confident

You don't have to feel confident on the inside, but just pretend that you are. This includes:

- making eye contact

- keeping an open body posture

- speak up and be clear - don't mumble

- take your time when you speak and don't rush

- give a strong handshake

This is exactly what I do, as soon as I act like I'm confident, I will soon start to feel confident. Even if you don't feel confident, all that matters is that the person you are speaking to feels confident in you.

2. Do your research

- If your'e off to a job interview, mini-pupillage or work experience for example, make sure you know or have a good idea of the place of work, the work culture, how do they operate, what made you apply there in the first place etc.

- If networking, have some questions for people in mind, know the kind of people you want to approach, know in advance what you want them to know about you so you don't remember that you forgot to mention something hours later when you're at home watching Eastenders!

Having some background knowledge allows you to have more in-depth conversations with people, and it is very impressive when you can engage with the topics they give you because you appear to be an organised, professional person with good manners. But most importantly, it makes them feel good that you seem so interested in what they are discussing.

3. Be yourself

There are so many people in this world and the last thing you want to do is to try and be someone else! Yes its good to get ideas or inspiration from other people, but never forget that YOU are unique and because of that, you offer a package that no one else can.

For example:

- add your own personal touch to how you dress

- be free with how you do your hair. I feel this is a major one, and for the black community especially, because I know how at times it feels daunting to have your natural hair out, but natural is you and if you like your hair like this, then go for it! Don't feel the need to look a certain way to 'fit in'. Be you and be comfortable always.

- show your personality through. Again please don't hide the real you because you never know, it may be the real you that they like and want to see again! Plus, how long will you continue acting like someone else? You'll get tired of pretending sooner or later.

4. Keep up to date with world events

You never know the type of people you will meet and what they are interested in or know about! Also, we shouldn't be so serious all the time as to only talk about our careers.

It is always great to keep updated on the news. I understand that the news can begin to affect your mental state in a negative way, but I highly suggest you keeping well-informed with the current goings-on in the world.

Having broad knowledge of such will set you apart because it shows you read, understand and can give your own opinions on what is happening in the world. It is simple things like this that can make someone give you their contact details, help you network or even offer you further work experience!

Top tip: Connect to the 'News' app on your phone and keep notifications on!

5. Be more social

The more people you interact with, the better you will be at communicating and feeling confident whilst doing it. If you don't see many people often, call up your friends and have a nice catch up, or spark up a conversation with someone at work, or even whilst shopping.

Story time: When I was working in retail, I asked a confused looking customer whether he needed help with anything and he said yes so I went to help him look for an item. Whilst looking, I asked him how his weekend was going and what plans he had for the upcoming week. From reaching out to him and asking such a simple question, we had a conversation for nearly 20 minutes! He ended up telling me that he was a retired Detective Chief Inspector. He also told me that I had served him a few times and he saw me working at the front main desk (I was a Supervisor) and was always impressed with my professionalism, eloquence and speed. He told me I would make a great DCI if I was interested, then I explained I was a law student and he encouraged me to pursue it and that the skills he saw me display would greatly help me along the way.

This brought a smile to my face because I was happy my hard work was paying off, but also that I made such an impression to someone I hadn't spoken to in depth before. Imagine if I was interested in a police role and how much help this customer could have been! This is what I mean by you never know who you meet or come across and how much they can help you in your career path.

I hope this helps you to make lasting impressions because it has certainly helped me. Follow me on Instagram: @sharonatthebar_ :)