Chapter 1

Opening Moves: Making Initial Encounters Work

“Civility costs nothing and buys everything.”

—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Courtesy begins with introductions. If an introduction is mismanaged, there is a strong possibility that the emerging business relationship will also be subject to problems. That is why you must start right away to build a strong foundation for your new business relationships.

It probably comes as no surprise to you to learn that the initial phase of a business relationship can have extraordinary effects on careers—and on whole organizations. But who hasn’t felt at least a little awkward during a business introduction? Fortunately, a few simple principles can have a dramatic, positive effect on the way you meet and ...

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