There is an old saying – ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. I don’t really know whether it is true or not. Many old clichés have a way of hanging around for years and people seldom question them. Point is, first impressions do matter especially in business.

In your personal life if you make a poor first impression on a new friend or member of the opposite sex it probably won’t cost you your job or suddenly put you in the ranks of the unemployed. However, a consistent poor first impression in business can create a stigma that can be hard to shake.

1. Why are first impressions so important? When we first meet someone we judge them (right or wrong) on a number of factors:

- their physical appearance

- how they are dressed

- their posture

- their confidence

- their ability to communicate (speak articulately and listen actively)

- their social graces

- are they friendly

- their smile

- the non-verbal gestures they send (positive, negative, congruent)

- their eye contact

- what they resonate

People then filter all of the above items through their own unique perceptual mental filter and come to some conclusions: (these are not right or wrong, accurate or inaccurate just the way the other person interprets what they see or hear.)

1. I like this person

2. I don’t like this person.

3. I respect this person

4. I don’t respect this person

5. I trust this person

6. I don’t trust this person

7. I accept this person at face value.

8. I sense some underlying hidden agendas.

What are some of the contributors to a positive or favorable first impression?

- a genuine smile

- a firm handshake

- confident, open body language

- good erect posture

- eye contact, but not staring

- the ability and willingness to listen

- good verbal skills and vocabulary

- appropriate dress for the occasion

- good personal hygiene

- asking the other person questions about them (showing an interest)

- keeping your ego (the need to look good, manipulate or control) in check

What are some common first impression mistakes people make?

1. They talk too much.

2. They act disinterested in the other person.

3. They appear to be nervous in new social/business settings.

4. They have slumping posture.

5. They lack adequate eye contact.

6. They don’t listen.

7. They have a ‘fish-like, limp, un-inspiring handshake.

What type of first impressions do you make on new prospects?