I've blogged before about the significance of first impressions in business. How you display yourself - from your clothes, your hair, as well as your briefcase… to your conduct on the phone, your punctuality, and your handshake - could be the critical element that unlocks the door to success. Earlier this week I had an interesting encounter that outlined this entire belief and exposed to light the requirement to recognize some "not to dos," also.

Here is what occurred: I was in a conference with several very professional and skilled people. One young man at once captured my attention. He wore a nicely-tailored suit, his body language was self-assured, and he smiled and talked easily with everyone in the space. This individual had a commanding presence, and gave an air of self-assurance and poise. He was refined down to the final feature.

I thought to myself, "That guy is certainly going places." Then something incredible occurred that transformed everything: He blew a bubble with his gum.

Suddenly, all my good thoughts and positive impressions vanished and I was thinking to myself, "Well… maybe not." Don't get me completely wrong; I'm not in opposition to gum (in fact, the sugar-free variety can help keep your teeth clean); what I'm saying is that there is a time and place for most things, and true professionals always keep this in mind. So, precisely what are some "not to dos" that may develop a negative impression (first or otherwise) and will only actually ruin your success? Here are just what I believe might be best to avoid:

* Cutting off the other person frequently.

* Dominating the discussion and never respecting or acknowledging another individual's viewpoint or just what they have to say.

* Inconsistent or negligible eye contact.

* Positioned too near and invading someone's "personal space."

* Answering a cellular phone call during a meeting and even letting it ring. This is straightforward: if you're in the meeting, turn off your phone at the start of it! Do not compose texts during meetings either.

* Coming late, particularly if you do not provide a customer a heads-up that you are going to be late, or worst of all - "no show, no call."

* Off-color humor (especially with somebody you do not know very well).

* Wrinkled or dirty dress, or clothes which is inappropriate for the situation (e.g., sporting casual workout gear to a potential client meeting).

* Checking your watch frequently; this gives the impression that you are uninterested or do not find the meeting's participants or subjects very important.

* Poor table manners (at lunch meetings).

* Appearing arrogant or boastful.

* Complaining on the subject of anything at all (especially other clients or common acquaintances/associates) or projecting a negative attitude.

* Coming unprepared and forcing other people to be delayed as a consequence of it.

Remember that for many individuals, only one small unfavorable point they perceive can erase many optimistic properties about you inside their minds. Make sure no one gets the incorrect impression regarding you and your business.