You never know when you are going to want or need a contact. With this in mind, it is always wise to make a good first impression. Most of these are common sense, but i think you'll be surprised by a few ideas.
You ought to practice this one in the mirror and make it a habit. If you are meeting someone for the first time and you've been in traffic for an hour, you better know how to fake this one.
You don't want to stare, but you want to make more eye contact than you normally do. Fifteen to twenty seconds of eye contact in the first thirty seconds--coupled with a war smile...can't go wrong!
If it's the kind of first time meeting that you are wanting to make a good impression, don't share too much. I can tell people that I am learning to play ukulele but I'm probably not telling anything personal. Be wise with your choices; I am pretty outspoken with regard to Christianity but not something I always have to share.
You should use the person's name a few times to help you remember it and to show that it is important to you...but it comes off poorly and sonds forced if you over do it. Two or three times is probably adequate.
I think a person that shows interest is one who is really good at asking questions--about what the other person is interested in. I don't know much about sewing, or gardening, or Civil War Relics but if someone has an interest in these things...I'd like to think I can ask a few questions and give them permission to talk about something they are passionate about.
There's a lot that can be said about making a first good impression and several items that didn't even get covered here. Body language is important; sincerity is important (especially if you want to pay a compliment). I would advise against flattery (not everyone agrees). If you need a breath mint, have one. Simple things like that and depending on the type of meeting or environment, your clothing choices may make a difference too.
These are First and last and lasting impression ideas in my book.
select one here...