Psychologists Ann Demarais and Valerie White have written a useful self-help book called First Impressions: What You Don't Know About How Others See You. They break down a successful first impression into seven areas:

• Opening the Door: Accessibility
• Enough About Me: Showing Interest
• Pass the Topic: The Subject Matter of First Conversations
• Showing Your Cards: Self-Disclosure
• Got Rhythm: Conversational Dynamics
• How You See the World: Perspective
• Expressing Yourself: The Subtleties of Sex Appeal

The book is written informally in an easy-to-read anecdotal manner. It can help you make better first impressions in a variety of social settings -- job interviews, business meetings and even first dates.