Ever heard the saying, “You only get one chance to make a first impression”? It may sound trivial but the fact is, once you’ve made a first impression it can’t be undone. Humans are inclined to make snap judgments, and research shows that within seconds of meeting someone, they have already begun to form judgements about you. One study by Princeton psychologists even indicated that it takes just a tenth of a second to form a first impression! Think about it…have you ever met someone and instantly known you were going to get along? Or maybe you had the opposite experience and got a bad feeling about someone, without them having uttered a single word. Here’s the thing: First impressions are more reliant on non-verbal signals than they are on verbal ones. This means that before you even open your mouth, your image is speaking for you . So whether you’re meeting a potential client or a new business associate, your entire personal brand needs to be considered. What does your physical presentation, your eye contact and your body language say about you? Does it tell people you are competent, confident and personable? Or does it create doubt? Make your first impressions bulletproof with my top tips below. Dress to create trust What you wear and how you wear it directly effects how trustworthy people find you – and when it comes to the professional arena and networking, trust is key. People want to know who you are, if you’re authentic and if they can count on you. Your image can help them understand exactly that. Control the narrative by representing your personal brand through your clothing. Dress appropriately for the situation, in professional garments such as a smart suit or tailored trousers, a silk blouse and a structured blazer. Ensure your hair is smooth and tidy, your makeup fresh and clean, your nails shiny, and any wrinkles, lint and fabric pulls straightened out. Tell people you are polished, dignified, and likeable by how you present yourself. Be the example you want to see If you’re struggling to define or represent your brand, think about the kinds of people you want to meet and be around. How do they dress? Are their communication skills welcoming and clear? What do their movements say to you? Picture what professionalism, success and gravitas looks like to you, and use this as a model to build your own brand. Body language is everything The way you communicate with your body can have just as much impact on a first impression as what you wear. You want to show people you are perceptive, capable and agreeable, and there are several ways you can ensure you do just that. Keep your posture straight and strong, and maintain eye contact to show confidence and create engagement. Make yourself approachable by shaking hands and smiling. Be attentive: nod, tilt your head and raise your eyebrows to show that you’re listening. When combined, these elements go a long way to creating the impression you want. |
How I can help you
If you think you could use a little help with any of the areas mentioned above, why not try one of my specialised service packages? I created these specifically to help men and women fine-tune their appearance, feel more confident and set themselves up for success. There are four packages available currently: Wardrobe Planning Make-up Styling Personal Shopping Men’s Styling Prices begin at just $275 and timeslots range from 1 hour to a full day to suit your needs. For more information, head over to www.angelastone.co.nz or email info@angelastone.co.nz |
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