[Photo taken from Flickr from OverdueConfessions photostream]
There is not enough attention paid to first impressions.
Growing up I was always taught the importance of clean shoes, and brushing my hair. It was no different to saying "please" and "thank you".
In these hyper-connected times, we seem to have lost the connection that comes from meeting people for the first time. It seems we have already made up our mind about them from their picture and Twitter/LinkedIn bio.
However, nearly all businesses, save perhaps the likes of Amazon, have to deal with people.
If you need to remind yourself of the importance of first impressions just think about the last time you visited a retail store, restaurant or service provider. If you were anything like me, you were apt to make up your mind based on how smart the place and everyone was. I can think of numerous instances where I have had my worst suspicions confirmed about the (likely) poor standard of expected service, even before that has been delivered.
You can see when people care.
To make a great first impression make sure you have a mirror. Preferably one that is full length. Be objective your appearance. If you think you look a bit shabby chances are your prospective customer etc. will think you look down right scruffy.
Set a realistic budget for personal grooming. I don't mean that you have to spend, in the case of men, stupid sums to get those over the top, nonsense personal grooming products. Just make sure that you don't end up using cheap stuff.
Get in shape. You heard me. Be prepared to exercise. If you think you are overweight then what are you doing about it. And it's not just the weight issue. We all know that physical exercise makes you sharper.
Practice your smile.
Practice your smile.
Practice your smile.
I don't care if you face aches, you have to know what it feels like to keep a permanent grin on your face. I know when I smile people immediately open up to me. I feel happier and hopefully they do as well.
Get some feedback on your opening lines. Practice, drill and rehearse. It doesn't matter the situation, you need to have practised those first few lines. I always make a point of going over in my head, before any meeting, exactly what I am going to say.
Get a coach. That doesn't mean paying through the nose but just someone who can give you some honest feedback.
And finally, your raison detre should be GET BETTER.
No day should be seen as a repetition of the last. Ben Franklin (what a wise soul he was), had a daily wash up of what he had achieved. Even though you may not have time for that you still need to put time aside to reflect on the high spots of the week, and where you could, with further practice, get better.
First impressions count.
Don't let something so straightforward slip through your fingers.
Posted by: |