Karen Keller
As women in business and women leaders at work, we are always beginning new relationships, either with clients, staff, vendors or customers. Yet sometimes we can forget the importance first impressions make. Obviously as professionals, we strive to do our best, but there are times when, for whatever reason, we fall short, and unfortunately, this can put a negative mark on our track record from the get-go.
If you've ever been on the receiving end of negativity or arrogance when you've met someone new on the job or a prospective client, almost immediately your intuition says Hmmm, don't think I like this person. These emotions or traits might be displayed in their tone of voice or in their body language. They might not be intentional (e.g. maybe they're having a bad day), but regardless, by speaking or acting in any way other than appropriately for the situation, they've pretty much lost your interest and respect.
Yet we are all human, and some of us have had the shoe on the other foot. Have you ever experienced a day when you let a stressful personal issue infiltrate the atmosphere in a meeting with a new client? Or have you, after being chewed out by your boss, let those emotions filter down to the new receptionist you need to train?
We've all done it, but it's simply not good business. The fact is people pick up on both verbal and non-verbal clues, so making sure what you say and how you sit, move and stand are aligned is critical to presenting an integrated whole when it comes to how you communicate. And don’t think you can slack when meeting by phone. People can tell if you're stressed or tired, so you have to mind your P's and Q's there, too.
In fact, at in-person meetings, close to 93% of others' opinions of you is based on your body language and how you look. If you meet over the phone, only 30% of how you are judged is based on what you say, and 70% rides on your tone of voice. This is the hallmark of influence and persuasion!
The important thing to remember, especially if you're in a leadership position or running a self-owned entrepreneurial enterprise, is making a good first impression actually becomes the benchmark you'll be measured by for all future assessments. Fail and word gets around. Be successful and word gets around. Take time to make this part of your personal development portfolio. You want to keep your first impression as fresh as the first time you gave it.
[Editor’s Note: Making a solid memorable first impression is the first secret to getting your foot in the door. Using first impressions to get attention, arouse curiosity, and command interest is one of the easiest things you can do. Learn more about this often missed tool to be influential and get noticed. Click here now!
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