Whether you’re on a job interview, making new friends, or meeting the woman of your dreams – you need to make a positive — and lasting — first impression. Our corporate-image counselor gives us his advice on making and leaving a positive impression.

Know the dress code.

If the dress code says wear purple pants and blue shoes, adhere to it — but take it to the next level. “Accessories are how a man separates himself from the average-also man,” says Grant Harris, owner and chief style consultant for Image Granted LLC. “And that means tailored clothes, shined shoes, and socks that cover the shin. Don’t make silly mistakes that will make people notice … in a bad way.”

Be knot afraid.

There are 75 ways to knot a tie, but only one way to wear it: Beneath the knot, there should be a dimple. “A tie shouldn’t lay flat against the shirt — it should have life,” says Harris, who advises sticking your index finger underneath the knot as you’re tightening it. “It’s a high-level technique that will step your game up above the pack.”

Buckle up.

“A smaller, thinner belt is more professional,” says Grant, who advises to stay away from big buckle-embellishments, designs and woven fabrics. “They’re all too casual to lead people to believe you think you’re in this room for an important purpose.”

Fold in a pocket handkerchief.

You need only worry about two styles: “The square TV-fold that you see news anchors wear, or just ball it up and stuff it in the pocket. The TV fold says you pay attention to details; the latter says you’re a bit more creative.”

Photo Credit: @ iStockphoto.com/CCaetano

Use your manners.

When a man says, “Please,” “Thank you” and “Good morning,” it doesn’t just demonstrate a sense of chivalry; “It also shows that you have the confidence to use manners and not to pander to colloquial presentation. You’ve set yourself apart.”

Hone your handshake.

The rule: No more than two or three pumps up and down. “Any less and you seem insecure or standoffish; any more than that and you’re perceived as overbearing.”

Make eye contact.

Don’t freak the technique: First look at the person’s left eye and right eye, then the forehead. “This way, you don’t get caught gazing, which will make the other person feel uncomfortable.”

Slow down.

Adapt the mannerisms of the male lion, without roaring. Moving and talking slowly will help you seem more confident. “Move too fast and you’ll seem insecure. Slow down your gestures and people will think you’re more powerful.”

Survey the room.

Lewis and Clark mastered it, so why stray from legends? “When you step into the room, pause and wait, survey the room, let people notice that you’re there,” says Harris. “Every powerful man surveys the land.”

Rearrange.

If you’re at a dinner meeting, move your glass from one side of the plate to the other, or move the plate 1/2 inch. “It’s a subliminal thing: You’re saying you’re comfortable in your space, claiming a subtle sense of ownership.”

Leave … a last impression.

Do not be the last to leave: It says either you don’t have a life, or you don’t own a watch. Leave deliberately, with a smile, putting on your coat and your hat while stepping towards the door. “With purpose,” says Harris.

Brian O’Connor is a print and online journalist. He is a former contributing editor at Men’s Fitness and executive editor at Genre. He has also written for Slate, San Francisco Weekly and the New York Daily News, among other publications.