Tips to Maximize First Impressions: Vital to Your Success

Have you ever met someone for the first time (interagency, business, social, personal) and remarked, “I liked him from when I first met him”? Why? What took place in the social exchange that left you with such a favorable impression? Likewise, have you experienced the opposite: “I didn’t like him from the first time I met him”? Why?

First impressions can last a long time and are difficult to change. Organizational members and stakeholders are making snap judgments about you. The key objective is to develop skills and techniques to enhance your ability to influence their judgments of you to be favorable. Be listening rather than speaking. Furthermore, as Linda Washington, President and CEO of The Washington Consulting Team, told me, “Don’t forget to smile. This might seem strange, but I’ve known some senior leaders who didn’t, and it cost them a lot of respect.”

As the saying goes, “You’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” Everyone makes snap judgments about other people, especially when first meeting them, which you can control. The key objective is to develop skills and techniques that enhance your ability to influence the snap judgments of others in your favor.

Remember, your appearance plays a crucial role in the snap judgments others make about you. If you aim to be seen as a leader who commands respect, you must look the part. So, always ensure you present yourself in a manner that reflects your professionalism.

Your first impression should exude confidence. Clear, warm, and compelling communication is key to building confidence, trust, and buy-in. You should aim to appear poised and in control, as your appearance and communication skills are vital in making a strong first impression.

Tips to Enhance First Impressions of You

Before Meeting Anyone

• Elevator Speech. It’s a brief, persuasive speech that you can state in ten to thirty seconds to spark interest in what you do and why it is essential. The desired outcome is that the person you are conversing with wants to hear more.
• Attitude is contagious. Regardless of your internal feelings, presenting a positive and open attitude is crucial. Others can easily pick up on your attitude through your mannerisms, posture, and facial expressions. You radiate either positive or negative energy to the people you meet, so it’s essential to be mindful of the impression you’re giving off.

Upon Meeting Someone

• Be Open. Face the person you are meeting. This illustrates openness and being receptive to discussion.
• Look them in the Eye. Eye contact is one of the most important nonverbal communication channels; it validates the person and engenders trust. Make a point to determine the color of their eyes. This will help you positively influence the other person without saying or doing anything uncomfortable.
• Remembering Names. Introduce yourself and mention your name—even if you have met previously. Attempt to mention the name of the person you meet a couple of times during the conversation. Using their names makes people feel validated, and stating their names will help you commit them to memory. (Click here for Tips for Remembering Names.)

For additional self-development, leadership, and management tips and strategies, please visit my website at https://browningleadershipinstitute.com/, and additional blogs on LinkedIn at www.dhirubhai.net/in/james-browning-phd. If an aspiring senior leader or about to become a senior leader, please see my recent book, Embracing Senior Leadership: Three Critical Factors Needed to Reach the C-Suite and Thrive.

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