01

Dec

2011

The 3 Key Elements Of First Impressions
No One Tells You About! 

First impressions are made in an instant and are lasting impressions that can potentially make or break a relationship without you even uttering a single word! According to research conducted by the Association For Psychological Science in the USA, “all it takes is a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face”.  The researchers suggested that based on human evolution we have formed an accelerated and accurate ability to judge trustworthiness and attractiveness at a moments glance.  “Like it or not, judgments based on facial appearance play a powerful role in how we treat others, and how we get treated.” And in a recent study by psychologists from Canada, Belgium, and the United States shows there is more than a literal truth to the saying that 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression'. So is this good news or bad news for you? Well, let’s take a look at the 3 Key Elements of First Impressions that are rarely talked about but if not managed can potentially lead to loss of clients, business and of course revenue!    Key Element #1  We all know that a first impression will be made every time you meet someone for the first time. Now this occurs not just when you’re face to face with another person but also in our online world (eg. on social media platforms and websites) and our off-line world (eg. via our marketing material). So now, more than ever, we’re making  more first impressions than ever before and this multiplies as you connect, and as others connect, with you on a daily basis. The reality is that you have no control over whether a first impression is made or not. But you do have total control over the next 2 key elements in order to make a great first and lasting impression.

Key Element #2 

When you make a first impression you’re communicating directly with another person. The great thing about that is that you can choose the message you're sending when you make your first impression.

You can choose how you dress, your style, the fit of your clothes, the color combinations, the accessories, your shoes, etc.

Plus, you can also choose how you physically appear, like how fresh, vibrant and energetic you look, the youthfulness of your skin, the way you’re groomed (ie. make-up for the ladies and your hair style), your overall physic and health.

Dressing well and looking healthy creates an air of confidence, authority, being organized and in control. Where as looking shabbily dressed and appearing unwell creates miss-trust and uneasy feelings in other people.

Your physical presentation, is totally in your control. This is all about you and it’s up to you to take action and ensure you’re presenting the look and feel about you that you want people to remember you by.   

 

Key Element #3 

Once you’ve got your physical appearance under control you’ll then realize that you’re actually making first impressions, all day, every day in your on-line and off-line worlds, even when you’re sleeping!

In your on-line world you’re most likely on multiple social media sites like facebook, twitter, LinkedIN and others. They all allow you to have one or many profile photos of you. So even though you’re not physically in front of new people you are presenting yourself and hence your business to the world. Every new person who sees your online profiles will form a first impression of you. Bingo! First impression made before you could say but wait … there’s more … 

Remember your on-line world is not limited to Social Media platforms but also includes your website(s), your e-mail signature that’s on every e-mail you send out daily and on your e-mail newsletters/campaigns.

So what about your off-line world? Again the same concept applies, you branding covers multiple items: your business cards, flyers, brochures, banners, advertisements, promotional products, books, DVD packages just to name several. And these marketing materials are out and about in the hands of other people circulating and putting you in front of new prospects and clients. So as per the on-line world you’re making multiple first impressions, daily.

This of course is great news! Why? Because you have total control over your presentation in all your on-line and off-line marketing. So get excited because once you have your physical presentation under control your branding will shine and your marketing material will help to leverage your time by creating the right first impression and ultimately leading you to more clients and more sales!

Wrapping Up 

So, you're making first impressions every day in many different ways in both your on-line and on-line marketing. The great thing for each of us is that we have a lot of control as to the first impression we make. So remember to be professional, consistent and up to date in all your avenues of making a great and lasting first impression. 

Tired of making the wrong first impression over and over again, day in and day out? 

Not sure what your ‘look’ is for your Target Market?

Not sure how to create your personal and business branding?

These are the areas that we help our clients in and ensure that they get noticed for all the right reasons. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in getting your styling right and having up to date, inspirational and powerful Head shots & Business Portraits that will create a great first impression.

ikon images 
1300 794 194
 

 

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• December 7, 2011, 7:07 pm - Tangie (http://www.bing.com/)

  Kudos to you! I hadn't tghuoht of that!