How can you recover from a bad first impression or unintentionally offending someone?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, right? Well, not exactly. Sometimes, you might say or do something that rubs someone the wrong way, or makes them think less of you. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on building a positive relationship with them. In fact, you can recover from a bad first impression or unintentionally offending someone, if you follow some simple steps. Here are some tips on how to turn things around and make a better impression the next time you meet someone in a business networking context.

1 Acknowledge your mistake

The first thing you need to do is to acknowledge your mistake and apologize sincerely. Don't try to justify, explain, or blame others for what you said or did. Just admit that you were wrong, and express your regret for hurting or offending the other person. This shows that you are aware of your impact, and that you respect their feelings and perspective. You can also ask them if there is anything you can do to make up for your mistake, or to avoid repeating it in the future.

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Sunita B.

Agile HR & TA Head, India - always on the lookout for talent.Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 14001,9001 & 50001 from BSI.Certified Mental Health First Aid Champion from MHFA UK & Certified International PPA Practitioner.
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One thing I have found helpful is acknowledging your mistake. It could be a wrong word or a wrong moment that leads to a 'not-so-good' first impression. Acknowledge it and offer to make it right. Sometimes, few matters should be dealt immediately rather than leaving a lingering offensive feeling for the receiver. And in other times, it is best to allow some 'cooling time' for the receiver to start a fresh approach and build a better relationship with a new perspective. Learn from your mistake and avoid being in the same situation again.

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2 Show genuine interest

The next thing you need to do is to show genuine interest in the other person and their work. Don't just talk about yourself, or try to impress them with your credentials or achievements. Instead, ask them open-ended questions, listen actively, and give them positive feedback. This shows that you are curious, attentive, and supportive of their goals and challenges. You can also share some relevant information, resources, or contacts that might be helpful for them, or offer to introduce them to someone in your network.

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3 Be consistent and follow up

The last thing you need to do is to be consistent and follow up with the other person. Don't just disappear after your initial encounter, or wait for them to contact you. Instead, send them a thank-you note, a friendly message, or a useful article within a few days of meeting them. This shows that you are reliable, thoughtful, and interested in maintaining the connection. You can also invite them to another event, a coffee chat, or a phone call, where you can continue the conversation and build rapport.

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4 Avoid repeating the same mistake

Of course, none of these steps will matter if you repeat the same mistake that caused the bad impression or offense in the first place. So, make sure you learn from your experience, and avoid saying or doing anything that might be insensitive, inappropriate, or disrespectful to the other person or their culture. You can also do some research, ask for feedback, or seek advice from someone who knows the other person well, to understand their preferences and expectations better.

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5 Be patient and positive

Finally, remember that recovering from a bad first impression or unintentionally offending someone takes time and effort. Don't expect the other person to forgive and forget instantly, or to trust and like you immediately. Instead, be patient and positive, and give them space and time to process their feelings and form their opinion of you. You can also show them that you are willing to change and improve, and that you value their feedback and input. With time, you might be able to turn a negative impression into a positive one, and a potential conflict into a fruitful collaboration.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Deepti K S 🇮🇳

HRBP | Exploring technology and AI in HR | HR Community builder and guest speaker | Passionate about HR, mentoring, and motherhood | Open to work
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I think being consistent while giving the other person the space to accept that the first bad impression was not really you, works like a charm. I have had instances in my life when I may have unintentionally offended someone and realised that I was constantly being ignored. What I chose to do is to give the person some time and space for a couple of days and then went on to make my acquaintance again. This totally worked!

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How can you recover from a bad first impression or unintentionally offending someone?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Acknowledge your mistake

2 Show genuine interest

3 Be consistent and follow up

4 Avoid repeating the same mistake

5 Be patient and positive

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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How can you recover from a bad first impression or unintentionally offending someone?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Acknowledge your mistake

2 Show genuine interest

3 Be consistent and follow up

4 Avoid repeating the same mistake

5 Be patient and positive

6 Here’s what else to consider

Business Networking

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