Make Dynamic First Impressions

Every one of us makes first impressions and every one of us receives and interprets first impressions.  Most psychologists agree that first impressions are made within 6-8 seconds.  Is it fair?  The fact is this is the reality.  What kind of first impression are you making?  Here are some tips to help you make more dynamic first impressions.

• Tip #1:  Eye contact, firm handshake, confidence and a positive attitude.  At social events, networking functions and meeting folks for a first time, these are the easy things to do in making dynamic first impressions.  Recruiters will tell you that a weak hand shake, poor eye contact and a frown will immediately send your application to the round file.  Have a great attitude, walk in confidently with a smile, look the person in the eye and greet them with a firm handshake and you will start off on the right foot.
• Tip #2:  Communication is primarily non-verbal, which we covered in tip #1.  Now that you have made a statement with your body, the tone of your voice has to match.  Talk loud enough to portray confidence.  Take a breath and enunciate your words clearly.  Continue to make eye contact with your audience as you engage in a dialogue.  Remember their names in order to build trust.

There are a lot of things outside of our control when earning employment.  We have to maximize our effectiveness in those activities we can control.  This includes making dynamic first impressions.  What impression are you making?  It is positive, negative or neutral?  Ask a few people you trust to be honest with you and critique their first impressions of you.  Use these tips to set the stage in developing relationships. I look forward to sharing more information with you in the future.