An outdated first impression could lead to losing lucrative connections and opportunities before you even get to nurture them, like the loss of a lead that could've been a new client, a collaborator, or a great referral source.
Make it a conversation, not a deposition. One of my most memorable moments before an interview even began happened earlier this year. As we were setting up to interview a prominent lawyer, our interviewee playfully remarked, 'Is this a deposition?' This person made the comment in jest, but it has since become the most valuable piece of advice I carry into every Q&A and interview since. Engaging the interviewee as a participant, rather than an object of examination can lead to richer, more meaningful dialogue.