You've heard it a million times already, but it really does take but a few seconds to make that all-important
first impression. And in corporate America, that could mean the difference between working in a high-rise corner office, or a basement mailroom.
Whether you're applying for a job, sweet-talking a potential client, or working the crowd at a corporate luncheon, those you come into contact with will be analyzing you from the inside out or rather, the outside in. So in trying to prove yourself in this competitive world, you must look and act like a distinguished businessman the minute you walk out your front door.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHINGWhile there are differing opinions as to how much time you actually have to hit all the right notes, rest assured that the degree of your success will be determined somewhere in the first 30 seconds of your meeting.
A study by UCLA found that "people evaluate one another using the Three V's: visual (appearance), vocal (voice) and verbal (what you say)." That means that, while you may be able to spout out 1001 reasons as to why you're the right candidate for their "business needs," there's a lot more that goes into winning someone over.
Hence, presentation is key; even though it may taste great, you wouldn't eat something that looked like slop on a plate. The same holds true for business settings.
So now that you're ready to start wowing people, let's see if your Three V's are intact.
8 TIPS OF GREAT FIRST IMPRESSIONSHere are some easy ways for you to impress your potential bosses, partners and clients:
1- Have a proper handshakeWhenever you're in a business environment, one's first impression of you should be that you're a slick professional. A well-executed handshake can do that for you twofold: it can get things off to a great start and seal the deal at the end.
But try taking it one step further by keeping a tissue handy to wipe off perspiration, and always hold your drink in the other hand, so as not to give the person an "icy" reception. By giving a firm and sweat-free shake, you'll appear cool and in control while elevating yourself from the wannabes.
2- Be on timeWhen meeting someone (for the first time, no less), arriving on time is as important as breathing. So if their first impression of you is an empty chair, you're in serious trouble. Yes, you may have a legitimate excuse, but that rarely matters to a higher-up who barely knows you. Their time is just as important as yours, so put yourself in their shoes. As a general rule, plan to arrive about 30 minutes early; it's better to be hanging around the place than be stuck in traffic. In short, tardiness is a sin you can't afford to commit.
Clean up your act, mister...
3- Be well-groomedNot too many slobs make it onto Wall Street, so while it may seem trivial, it's imperative that you smell good (without overdoing it), and keep your hair and fingernails trim and clean, and your clothes stain-free and ironed. Always give yourself a quick once-over in front of the mirror before you leave the house.
Presenting yourself in a clean and dignified manner speaks volumes for your professional behavior and the way you carry yourself overall. A small oversight may end up costing you big-time.
4- Use body language The aforementioned UCLA study also found that "about 93% of a person's communication effectiveness is determined by nonverbal communication." There are two important things to bear in mind here: posture and eye contact. Maximize your height by lifting your head and keeping your shoulders up to suggest that you are confident, assertive, and determined -- all admirable qualities to future contacts.
Moreover, eye contact is the foundation to any good encounter, so don't just glance over because you feel you have to; keep looking straight ahead to show that you are not easily intimidated, are comfortable talking with them, and are interested in what they have to say. Look interested and others' interest will follow. Eye contact allows for a more personal connection, so the more time your pupils stay properly focused, the higher your chances of getting that second callback.
5- Introduce yourself and ask for namesIn addition to all your handshaking, make sure you properly introduce yourself when approaching contacts. As a courteous gesture, ask for their name. Writing the name down if you can, repeating it, and using it later in conversation are all personal touches that increase the chances of their remembering your name in the future.
Always remember to stand up when greeting someone and be sure to introduce them to anyone you're with. These are all subtle yet polite gestures that will make anyone feel special and, more importantly, place you in a favorable light.
6- Look at their business cardsMoreover, if someone hands you a business card, don't just glance at it haphazardly and put it away. Instead, study it closely and then put it away somewhere other than your back pocket, like the front pocket of your blazer or shirt, or even your business card holder.
Keep talking, they want to hear you...
7- Make good conversationAs you embark on what hopefully becomes a stimulating conversation, remember that you're not only being judged on what you say, but how you say it. So while it's important to ask pertinent questions and use industry-specific buzzwords to flaunt your intellect, you should also speak clearly with a firm, strong voice and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company through your comments.
To get the most out of your discussion, try to find similarities between the two of you that you can use to your advantage. Whether you're noting a similar taste in clothes or a common hobby, it doesn't matter. A person will feel more comfortable with someone they can relate to and their opinion of you will therefore be more favorable.
Also, try to cover as many of the following bases as possible:
- How long has that person been working at this firm?
- How you plan to grow with the company and ideas for future projects.
- How you balance your personal and professional life and how else you plan to keep busy.
8- Research the companyA great way to impress those around you is by doing your homework before scheduling an interview or approaching someone. In addition to establishing a personal connection, they'll be impressed that you took the time to familiarize yourself with their organization.
So take note of any recent mergers, acquisitions, as well as the person's specific role in the company, and incorporate them into your discussion (press releases are a great resource for the latest developments). Your obvious dedication will shine through, and you may find yourself with a job offer or two.
DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE THINGSTry to look past the more common tricks of the trade and opt for some lesser-known tactics when making a first impression. If, for example, you've given them reason to entertain you further, be prepared to answer a few questions by providing good examples -- ones that help illustrate your point -- without being too vague or going off on a 10-minute tangent (read: be as effective as possible in the shortest amount of time).
THE BOTTOM LINEYour first encounter with someone is one of the most crucial moments in your career, as others form quick opinions about you based on the first seconds of initial contact. Always be aware of how you're presenting yourself, even when you think no one's watching. Keep that in mind as you climb up the corporate ladder.
* by Thomas Anderson, http://www.askmen.com/money/successful_60/86_success.html*
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