Do first impressions really matter?
Should we really care about our first impression with others?
Can our “style” really be an indicator, or even a principle of our success?
Absolutely!
Our first impressions not only make an impression, they dictate a person’s belief about you, and therefore will dictate all of their future actions and reactions.
If you desire to make a powerful first impression for your personal or business life, I invite you to take a moment and totally focus upon this article. If you haven’t yet begun to understand that first impressions matter, then I invite you to notice the importance of impressions, especially first impressions, as you read this article.
When I was 16 years old I went to my first rock-n-roll concert, and for my fellow 80’s rock fans, the opening band was Skid Row. The music was loud, the fans were cheering, and the laser light show was impressive even way back in the 80’s!
After several minutes of the lights and music, the pyrotechnics ignited and out from behind the stage comes the lead singer as the crowd erupts!
Showmanship and Style built up the energy and made their show a great success.
Now, let’s imagine it a little different...
Imagine for a moment that instead of walking into the darkened stadium lit only by lasers and “mood lighting”, I walked instead into a well lit coliseum that showed all the trash on the floor, the stains on the seat, and the awkward looks from strangers attempting to be as cool as any teenager at a rock concert.
Also imagine that instead of the hard rock priming music as you entered the coliseum, they simply let you sit in a quite stadium while the band set up the equipment.
But wait, who is that setting up the microphone stand? Is that the lead singer? Is that him in a dirty t-shirt and jogging pants? Where is the wild hair, makeup, and leather pants? Then, after strumming the guitar a few times and blurting out “check... check...” - he begins to sing and start the show...
Do you “see” the difference? Same band. Same songs, Same Venue.
HUGE difference in results because of STYLE over substance. Call it showmanship or peacocking - it is a fact that we can apply in our lives even if we are not rock stars.
The content or substance that you bring to the marketplace may keep you running strong in the game of business, yet STYLE will make an impression that often determines IF you ever get in the game to even compete!
Studies show that it takes about one tenth of a second to make a great first impression, and about 7 seconds to literally concrete the impression as a permanent filter for all other interactions with the person.
That is why STYLE matters - and why your style may be the key to influencing others to even open up and receiving the substance you have to offer. Style and impressions include your grooming decisions, clothes, etc. - yet they go so much further, and you must begin with your WHY and your desired response from others before you choose your personal displayed style.
Your personal style will determine unconsciously if you gain rapport with someone, and where in their own ladder of success and authority they place you.
“Always dress just a little better than those you are attempting to influence or lead. Dress similar, yet just a little better.”
That advice was given to me years ago when I first entered the world of sales. I was selling insurance to both consumers and businesses, and so I met people from all walks of life.
Should I wear a tailored suit, or a polo shirt? Clean shaved or a little stubble? Drive my sports car, or my economical sedan.
Everything matters when you are first meeting someone.
I’m going to give you a few areas from our list of 14 strategies to make a solid first impression. Examine yourself and see how your first impressions can be done with style!
First, always remember to match those whom you desire to influence or become part of their tribe. You should always match with your clothes and grooming style first. Do your prospects, or tribe, wear business suits and very well groomed, or would a less formal approach appeal?
Dress in a similar style as those you will influence or be a part of, yet remember that dressing just a little better, will position yourself with a style within itself.
Tattoos are another area of much debate, and if you are reading this while being inked yourself, you may not like the next line or two of reality.
People will judge you. Period.
Ink matters.
Now, that isn’t to say it is a negative. In fact, if you have easily visible tattoos ad/or piercings you may very well have a more favorable first impression than someone who is ink free, depending upon the person that you are influencing.
My son is a chef, has ink everywhere it seems, and in his industry it works very well for him. Most of the people in the industry he works within are also tattooed and they all seem to relate and even honor each others displays of art and expression.
At the same time, I have worked directly with people that will simply NOT hire someone because of their tattoos. Well, they’re an *&%#! you may say, but the truth remains that people judge your style, usually unconsciously, and make decisions about you before you even speak.
Appearances go beyond an Armani suit or a tattoo however, and your style is expressed in the type of vehicle you drive, the home or apartment you live in, and even your name.
Your name?
Yep. Now, I am not going to personally change my name, yet I have coached people that have changed their name for a more professional sound, and are happy with their new persona.
Next, you can make a good impression and improve your style with the proper social media appearance.
Today, your social media profiles are an extension of you, and your social media style will have a major effect on your first impression, and even lasting impressions of who you are.
If you are an entrepreneur what does your FaceBook, Linkedin, SnapChat, or other profiles and content say about you?
Doe your profile accurately represent you, or at least how you would like to be seen and known?
Your posts, pictures, videos, and your profile picture will be judged unconsciously within mere seconds of someone scanning your site. Most of the judgment is unconscious before you even have time to think about the persons profile.
I recently had someone give me their pitch for their coaching services for my business. I quickly went to their FaceBook page and discovered with a mere glance that we had totally different beliefs and I discarded them, within seconds, from my business and from my cash! Now, their style did not match mine, and I did not get into the substance of their coaching program.
Did I miss out from judging? Possibly.
However, all people judge and your prospects are no different.
Be seen and be bold.
Polarize if you need to in order to attract your tribe.
Yet, remember that your style will come before your substance, people do judge a book by it’s cover, and when you agree with these truths it can make your job to attract and lead tribes much easier!
Are you one who desires more in life? Of course you are, and that’s why you have read the last 1297 words - so, go over to www.ProsperWithWayne.com and check us out. If we match your style, sign-up for our newsletter, if we don’t match your style then our substance will probably not match you either. So thanks for reading!