The first time you lay eyes on a new face you form an immediate impression based on what you see. Overall appearance, cleanliness, dress, hair, facial expression, etc. sends data to your brain that is translated into a conclusion about this new face.  Certain observations may be an immediate turn off for you but one thing that will always send a positive message is a smile.

When I am giving a speech the one thing that sends me a message of comfort as I look at my audience is a smile.  When your kids smile you feel good. When your spouse smiles you feel good. When anyone smiles it sends a message of warmth and friendliness.

So in business if you want to get off to  good start, begin with a smile. It does not make any difference whether you are the boss, a peer or a worker bee – a smile goes a long way to build trust and understanding. My advice: start every conversation, meeting, gathering etc. with a smile. Smiling is a winning formula in every situation.