Seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a good first impression.
Although individuals should be judged by their worth, it is often a first impression that determines whether someone will take the time to let you reveal it. What a shame to allow an unwitting social blunder, such as an incorrect introduction, an inappropriate question, or an absent handshake, be the determining factor of whether someone gives you the time you need to show your attributes and abilities. If your initial meeting is not good you won' t ever get another chance to make a good first impression.
Some years ago, I cut out a little article named "10 Tips for Social Success," with the hopes of sharing it with others, and just remembering these tips for myself. Over the next 10 days, I will share these tips, along with a little of my own commentary to go with:

1) "Share the Stage! Talking about your interests is fun, but remember that social encounters can be short and others enjoy talking about their interests too."

The word ‘etiquette’ used to mean "keep off the grass". Louis XIV’s gardener noticed that the aristocrats were walking through his gardens and put up signs, or étiquets, to ward them off. The dukes and duchesses walked right past these signs. Due to this blatant disregard, the King of Versailles decreed that no individual was to go beyond the bounds of the étiquets. The meaning of etiquette would later include the ticket to court functions that listed the instructions on where a person would stand and what was to be done. Etiquette, like language, has evolved, but it still means literally "keep off the grass". Until the 1960’s, the importance of good manners were taught without question, but with the liberated 70’s came a decline in the popularity of teaching proper etiquette. In 2004, a new emphasis has been placed on returning to traditional values. Proper etiquette and protocol has given children and adults alike a vital tool that not only provides a competitive edge, but a sense of confidence.*

* From an article written by Dorothea Johnson, Protocol School of Washington