The NINE Golden rules to make a great first impression:

1. Waiting in the reception area - Remove your outerwear (like a jacket or coat) if any and give it to the receptionist. Avoid entering an office with your arms full of clutter that make you fumble and look inept. Always stand, even if the receptionist insists to take a seat because when you take the seat you are out of sight and they no longer have to deal with you.

2. The entry - When given the green light, walk in without hesitation. Maintain the same speed as you walk through the door. People who lack confidence perform a small shuffle as they enter.

3. The approach - Even if the person is talking on the phone, rummaging through a drawer or tying his shoelaces, just walk in directly and confidently. Put down your bag, folder or whatever is in your hands, shake the person’s hands, and take a seat. Let the other person see that you are accustomed to walking confidently in to offices and that you don’t expect to be kept waiting. People who walk slowly or take long strides convey that they have plenty of time on their hands, are not interested in what they are doing or have nothing else to do. Influential people and those who command attention walk briskly at a medium pace with medium length strides.

4. The handshake - Keep your palm straight and return the pressure you receive. Let the other person decide when to end the handshake. Step to the left of a rectangular desk when you approach to avoid being given a palm-down’ handshake. Never shake directly across a desk. Use a person’s name twice in the first 15 seconds and never talk for more than 30 seconds at a time.

5. When you sit - If you are compelled to sit in a low chair directly facing the other person. Turn it away 45 degree from the person to avoid being stuck in the ‘reprimand’ position. If you can’t angle the chair, angle your body instead.

6. Seating area - If you are invited to sit in an informal area of the person’s office, such as at an informal coffee table, this is a positive sign because 95 percent of business rejections are delivered from behind a desk. Never sit on a low sofa that sinks so low it makes you look like a giant pair of legs topped by a small head – if necessary, sit upright on the edge so that you can control your body language and gestures, and angle your body to 45 degrees away from the person.

7. Your gestures - People who are cool, calm, collected and in control of their emotions use clear, uncomplicated, deliberate movements. High-status individuals use fewer gestures than low-status individuals.

8. Distance - Respect the other person’s personal space, which will be the largest in the opening minutes of the meeting. If you move too close, the personal will respond by sitting back, leaning away or using repetitive gestures such as familiar people but further back from the new ones. Men generally move closer to women they work with while women generally move further back when they work with men. Work closer to those of similar age and further back from significantly older or younger ones.

9. Your exit - Pack your things calmly and deliberately – not in a frenzy-shake hands if possible, turn and walk out. If the door was closed when you entered, close it behind you as you leave. People always watch you leave. People always watch you from behind as you leave. So, if you’re a man, make sure you have shined the back of your shoes. Some women are critical of this. When a woman decided to leaves she will point her foot towards the door and begin to adjust the back of her clothing and hair, so that she makes a good rearview impression as she departs. Research has shown that if you’re a women, other study your rear as you depart – whether you like it or not. When you get to the door, turn around slowly and smile. It’s far better that they recall your smiling face than your rear end.