You Have 29 Seconds To Make An Impact In A First Impression. Here’s How To Do It Right!

Your image is a powerful tool that you can use to influence how you feel about yourself…and also how others feel about you. When your style accurately reflects who you are and highlights your best features, you will have more confidence, develop deep inner strength, and carry a positive self-image. These key traits can lead to more money, more opportunities, and more professional connections. In this post, we’ll look at some things you can do to derive maximum professional benefit from your image. Let’s take a look!

Train Your Body 

Image is much more than being well dressed, it is also how you carry yourself. Research confirms this, “Clothing plus communication determines whether others will comply with requests, trust you, give you access to decision-makers and pay you a certain salary or fee.  There are key behaviors that indicate positive and effective communication and help establish stronger bonds and relationships in business, and also in your personal life.

#1. Smile

One of the best ways to make a good first impression is to smile. When you offer a large and genuine smile, you display qualities like openness, warmth, and trust. This is the easiest and quickest way to make a positive impact on someone immediately. 

#2. Be Polite

Being considerate and polite shows that you are respectful and caring. This trait can greatly assist one during difficult negotiations and differences in opinion. Learn how to ask questions and respond in a way that doesn’t threaten or block people emotionally, but rather makes them feel heard, understood, and respected. 

#3. Be Well Spoken

One of the easiest ways to improve your use of language is to read and listen to well-spoken authors and individuals. People who use descriptive language and vivid imagery tend to carry more influence, charisma and seem much more attractive to their audience. 

#4. Make Eye Contact

When we make eye contact with someone, we are saying “I have nothing to hide.” People who make direct and prolonged eye contact in conversation display confidence, honesty, and connection. This is a great way to hook people into your ideas and your proposals.

# 5. Be a Good Listener

Listening is a very powerful tool. Always take a few seconds before you respond to a question or comment, and refrain from interrupting with your feedback until the person has fully completed their thought. Genuine listening increases the intimacy, understanding, and quality of communication between the individuals in the conversation, and ends up creating stronger relationships in the long run.

The Keys to Professional Dress Code

Did you know that upon meeting someone for the first time they have already decided who you are before you even open your mouth to speak? In fact, according to research, you only have 27 seconds to make a good first impression. What could this mean for business relationships, financial opportunities, negotiations, and contracts? Moreover,  how could you leverage your image to make the greatest impact and get the best results in your professional career? 

Research confirms that the clothes you wear directly impact business performance. Regardless of whether you’re working from home, in Zoom meetings, or going into the office, what you wear can help you make the impact you desire. Here are your keys to a fool-proof professional dress code:

#6 Stick With a Proper Fit

One of the most straightforward keys to a classic and professional appearance is a proper fit. If you’ve changed sizes or simply have an outdated jacket, pants, or skirts, invest in a trusted brand that matches your measurements or work with a tailor to customize your business attire specifically for your body. Ask: Do I understand my color system and which patterns and cuts will most flatter my unique shape?

#7 Simplicity is King

While trends are fun and expressive, in a professional setting it is important to let your performance and communication demand the majority of the attention, rather than the newest trends (unless of course, you’re wearing your unique signature style). Ask yourself: Does my outfit build upon or diminish my credibility?

#8 Opt for Formalwear, Cleanliness, and Neatness 

This goes without saying, but research has proven that a flawless appearance can bring inner peace and a sense of security. Moreover, a paper from the Social Psychological and Personality Science stated that formal business attire increases abstract thinking (an important aspect of creativity and long-term strategizing), as well as feelings of power.

#9 Don’t Get Your Sexy On

Research has proven that more cleavage, short skirts, and skin-revealing clothes make women in managerial positions appear less intelligent and cause them to be taken less seriously. Influence and profitable deals are more likely to come from formal wear and dressing up, rather than from sexy and revealing outfits. 

#10 Secure a Polished Look

While comfort is important, a polished look is essential. Stick with a professional wardrobe that includes these staples: slacks, pants, skirts, dresses, blouses, sweaters, and jackets.

Remember, appropriate dress and communication always come down to the situation and the people involved. Furthermore, the framework for an image that works for you requires both a proper color analysis and the development of a signature look that accurately reflects who you are and what works for your unique lifestyle. The truth is that there is no play-by-play rulebook because each person, circumstance, and environment is different. The bottom line? Professional attire and effective communication techniques will always be a winning combo.

Take The Next Step!

Want to learn more about making a greater impact with image and etiquette, or are you ready to empower other women on their path towards personal and professional success? If you’re not in the ByFerial Empower Group, CLICK HERE & GET A  FREE 1 WEEK MEMBERSHIP. You’ll get access to unlimited opportunities for professional and personal development, private mentoring and coaching opportunities, and special pricing on tools, products, and training.