First impressions are incredibly important. This is because you only have one chance to do it. There can be nothing worse than messing up easily correctable flaws when trying to sell yourself to others for the first time. If you make a poor showing out of yourself, a permanent, negative stigma can be attached over towards you. You will want to avoid this at all costs. Here are some methods for you to improve yourself and make a tremendous initial impression on others.
Be Confident
When it comes to making impressions, confidence is the name of the game. Showing confidence means that you are well composed, and in the business world, it a sign that you can perform well under pressure. If you are speaking in public, avoiding words such as “um”, “like” and the popular “you know” could potentially indicate that you are not knowledgeable on the topic. If you are adequately prepared and did your research, you can speak confidently.
Confidence is also exhibited in your body language. Standing with an upright posture and making direct eye contact is a sign you mean business. Be careful of what you do with your hands while talking as well.
Professionalism
Professionalism starts with being on time. A common saying is that being on time is being late. So in actuality, being early is being on time. Making others wait for you or failing to notify those you are associating with well in advance of your situation is a bad look. Your wardrobe can speak volumes about you as well. Whatever company you are looking at, be sure to follow the protocol or do your research so that you are not overdressed or underdressed. You wouldn’t show up to a business meeting in shorts and sneakers, would you?
Do Away With Phone
If you are concerned about making yourself look good in front of your peers or co-workers, being on your phone is just about the last thing you want to do. Whether you are in a meeting, or making a presentation, you should not have your phone out. It is considered a lack of courtesy and very disrespectful. Put it on vibrate, or if it is a true emergency, kindly excuse yourself.