Meeting a new person, be it in a professional setting or a casual environment, is possibly one of the most important moments in your relationship with that person. It will give them an idea of who you are as a person and leave a lasting impression in their mind, either positive or negative. Make a great first impression of yourself by giving a solid introduction, and here is how.

Introductions are very important in the workplace. The people you see each day will make or break you, and you want to start on the right foot. If you are new to the company or a different branch then you will need to make a positive impression on people who may be set in their ways and sometimes wary of outsiders. This will require a very professional introduction. Approach them when they are not busy, and simply say hello, tell them your name, and give them a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact. Use your full name, as it will fit in even the most formal job settings and also in situations like being in the break room, you could ask questions such as “How long have you been with the company?” or “What do you do here?” It makes you look eager to learn more about your new place of employment and that you are a “real go-getter”.

If the introduction is during an interview you should appear excited about the meeting, as this will give the impression that you want the position you are interviewing for. If you are introducing yourself to a new co-worker or subordinate when you have been at the company for awhile then you should approach them with the same general approach, but go out of your way to do so and be very warm and friendly. This gives the impression that you are glad that they are a part of your team now, and people want to work with and for people who care about them.

Business meetings with clients or people from other branches or corporate headquarters are great opportunities to set a lasting impression for yourself and your company as a whole with good introductions. Introduce yourself to each person in the room that you do not know as soon as you set your things down. This will leave a remarkable impression on everyone in the room, as it shows that you have the people skills to get ahead and make a name for yourself.

Introductions among mutual friends are much less formal, but still set a lasting impression. If you are in reasonable distance you should give them a handshake with a warm, friendly greeting as you exchange names. Engage your new acquaintance in conversation as much as practical, as it makes them feel they are actually wanted within your sphere. There is nothing more awkward to be brought out in a group to only be ignored in the conversation. Should you be at a large table at a restaurant or other large group situation, try to at least exchange names and greet them, as a handshake would be very awkward in this situation. Looking like a creep is not a good way to make new friends.

When meeting a friend’s girl/boyfriend or spouse, you should still be friendly but not appear too eager to engage them in conversation. This could be seen as getting “too friendly” and cause tension between you and your friend. Be polite and let them approach you instead.

Meeting strangers can be a great way to make new friends. If in a setting like a church group, club, or other group setting, the same sort of approach that you use for introducing yourself mutual friends. Being in a group setting allows for this casual approach. When meeting new people in public, at places like bars, coffee shops, and other places, a little bit of finesse is needed before introducing yourself. Engage the new person in conversation for a bit, and make it casual. If the conversation goes on for a few minutes then it is time to introduce yourself. If you simply just go around trying to introduce yourself to total strangers it is seen as intruding their comfort zone and is just plain weird.

Using these basic rules is a great way to use introductions to make a name for yourself and make new friends. It can be a firm foundation to relationships for years to come.