First Impressions

First impressions matter. They last well beyond the moment and can have a lasting primacy affect on those you meet. Behavioral science tells us that people tend to remember a bad first impression. Conscious of it or not, we all tend to hold onto that initial bias, which can significantly impact the potential of our relationships.

We should use this knowledge to our advantage, and learn to carry momentum of a positive first impression to better connect socially and professionally. Though each subject deserves the proper attention to detail, as a basic guideline, these are the five fundamentals of creating a great first impression.

Dress appropriately, your attire should be dependent on the situation. Know that what you wear is expression of taste and a frame of reference of how others see you. Conservative or stylish, the priority in dress is that your clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and appropriate for the occasion. Wear nice things when in professional settings, and be casual when you can. If unsure of the situation, the general rules is better to dress up than dress down.

Practice good hygiene. Our modern society places a lot of value in standards of cleanliness. Along with attire, we all tend base much of our first impressions on appearance, although bad hygiene can be particularly off putting. Using deodorant, while having clean teeth and washed hands are all expected when engaging close with others. Be mindful of over-applying cologne or perfume, as strong scents are mostly considered tacky and unpleasant. Keep your hygiene routine simple and discrete as an unnoticed quality.

Be on time. Although the importance of punctuality can vary from culture to culture, most professional settings will demand it, especially when meeting for the first time. To many people there is no faster way to make a bad first impression. Within a business context, being punctual is often seen as a reflection of character and dependability. While being late can easily be interpreted as a show of disrespect and indifference to the meeting, ending any chances of moving the relationship forward.

Be approachable and smile with your eyes. By smiling with your eyes, you appear genuine and confident, also less likely to come off as overfamiliar or presuming. Eye contact is key in making others feel engaged. It is a simple and very effective form of non-verbal communication that builds trust and respect. Establish eye right away, using a soft gaze for four to five seconds at a time, while using gestures and occasionally looking up or to the side when speaking for dramatic effect. I know that eye contact makes people more attractive and memorable.

Pay attention to your body language. Our posture affects health, self-confidence, and the way others see us. Standing and sitting straight while being mindful not to fidget or make erratic gestures shows a sense of self-mastery and presence. Minimize movements using subtle gestures when speaking, while avoiding crossing your arms or putting up physical barriers between you those you are engaging. As a general rule, mirroring the gestures and micro expressions of others can be used to great effect in any situation, helping create a subconscious connection and trust.

Behavioral science says that first impressions are made in less than four minutes of meeting someone, use that time wisely, and be outstanding.