By Dennis Powell, e-Management
Every now and again you meet someone who does everything to rub you the wrong way whether intentional or accidental. You know, the young Ivy League college graduate who dresses casually (i.e. shorts and sandals) on his law firm interview. The sales guy who tries to sell you a cobalt blue car, even though you are adamant about getting something black. The woman who shows up at a federal judge’s funeral dressed in her South Beach outfit.
Dressing to impress potential employers, business partners, or customers is a time-honored way to make a great first impression. What does the way you dress say to strangers?
I can go on and on. But I won’t. Instead, I offer up this blog thread, which is inspired by everyone who has made a poor first impression and wants tips to avoiding future mishaps. Here are suggestions for placing your best foot forward.
1. Mind Your Manners
I am beginning to think that “manners” may be on the endangered species list. Simply put, manners are appropriate actions (e.g., what you say or how you act) based on the social, cultural, or professional standards. Poor manners can lead to a poor first impression. To avoid this, whenever I travel outside of the country, I read up about what is suitable behavior for my destination. In social settings, I have learned never to ask a woman whom I just met how far along she is on her pregnancy, until she or someone else confirms she is indeed with child. Saying something that comes across as inappropriate can sabotage first impressions. True story.
2. Dress for the Occasion
Some people say you are what you eat. Well, I say you are what you wear. *Cue runway music here* While I respect and encourage everyone’s personal sense of style… skinny jeans, short-shorts, and trendy footwear may not be a “good look” when you want to make the best first impression. I’ve mentioned the colleague grad with the surfer look on the job interview. But, what about if you have been in the workforce longer than that guy? Appropriate business attire used to be a “non-issue.” Pretty much everyone knew what acceptable business attire was. With the advent of Casual Friday (CF), a lot has changed. A lot. Word of advice, if you are the newest employee, “slightly” over dress on your first CF. Be sure to keep your ears open for feedback others are getting on their CF ensembles. Use that data to inform what’s appropriate for making the right impression each and every Friday. Feel free to use this tactic in other unfamiliar social settings. You can thank me later.
3. Find Out What’s Important
Perhaps nothing makes a better first impression than an engaged person, who has done her or his research on the person or people she or he plans to meet. If you are going on a blind date, find out as much as possible about your date’s interests and how you connect with those activities. In other new social scenes, be sure to listen, comprehend, and then consider what your response is before saying it. Repeat what you hear and what you like about what is being said. That shows profound interest that will likely make an awesome first impression. Likewise, in business and professional settings, nothing is more important to a potential employer or business partner than the realization that you have taken the time to find out what’s important to them. How many of us have gotten our dream job by going into an interview saying we know nothing about the prospective employer? I rest my case.
4. You Are Not a Celeb, Don’t Try This at Home
Reality shows save TV and cable networks tons of money in production costs, and racks up the advertiser dollars for “fat” executives and investors. Reality TV may also be impairing our judgment as a society to make positive first impressions. Sure the cast of Jersey Shore is fun (and annoying) to watch. But if we emulate them in social and professionals settings, we are certain to make a poor first impression. Keep in mind, they are being paid to be “morons.” Since you aren’t a reality celebrity, leave the drama to the professionals!
5. Remember, You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression
This is all about you. Chances are, you’re a decent person. If you relax a little bit, perhaps the rest of us will find out. In your personal and professional interactions, remember to be honest, respectful, truthful, and especially genuine. The latter goes a long way for making a great first impression.
Your Stories, Your Impressions, Your Tips
I have given you the tips I have compiled over the years from mentors, and social networks on showing your best face. Have I missed anything? What are your tips for making a great first impression? Are there stories you would like to share of a first impression gone really, really wrong? I look forward to your comments and feel free to share this blog link with your social network, friends, or colleagues, who may find this particular entry worthwhile.
