8 Tips for Making a GREAT First Impression
8 Tips for Making a GREAT First Impression
you in the first 30 seconds they meet you. No, it’s not necessarily fair to
judge a book by its cover, but it is the reality. Below are some tried and true
simple things you can do to ensure your professional image works for you and not
against you:
1 - Neatness counts!
Make sure your clothes are neat and tidy, have all their buttons, and don’t have
stains. Ensure your clothes are pressed so it doesn’t appear as though you’ve
just rolled out of bed.
2 - Shop Fit NOT Size
Even the most expensive clothes can create a poor first impression if they don’t
fit properly. The average person should have 2 – 3 different sizes in their
closet at any one time. No, I’m not talking about your “fat” or “thin” clothes.
Each manufacturer cuts their garments differently than the next. Expensive
designers also use the trick of cutting their clothes bigger so that the average
sized person wears a smaller size in their garment. Make certain to purchase clothes that
don’t pull at the pants pockets or around the waistline. If you are petite,
expect to have most of your pants and jacket sleeves altered. It’s worth the
investment!
3 - Designers Not Necessary
It isn’t necessary to wear all designer duds to look make a great impression. A
moderately priced suit in a wool or gabardine blend can look “expensive” if
properly accessorized. Grow your wardrobe by choosing key classic pieces. Men,
put your money into your ties. A less expensive suit with a more expensive,
sharp tie looks great. Ladies, invest in a year-round weight suit or separates
for easy mix and match. Refined fabrics are best. Skip the machine washable
suits! Pair your suit with a great broach or scarf to show off your
personality.
4 - These Boots Are Made For More Than Walking
There’s nothing worse than seeing a sharply dressed professional and then
getting to the bottom of the look to see tattered shoes. Guys shine ‘em and make sure your belts match. Ladies, make sure your shoes are in good
repair and replace the heels (or the shoes) if needed, don’t walk around on
nails. It’s unattractive AND dangerous (I know!). The other area many women
miss is hosiery. You want to wear hose that are the same color value or darker
than your skirt and shoes. A good rule to follow is 2 of the 3 (hemline, hose,
and shoes) need to match. That said; don’t walk out the door wearing a red
skirt, nude hose and black shoes.
5 - Business Casual Doesn’t Equal Sloppy
Today many businesses have adopted a “Business Casual” dress code. If you are
meeting clients at their site, you don’t want to be too over dressed or look
sloppy. A sharp pantsuit for the ladies or dress pants with a casual shirt and
blazer for men are great choices. If you are meeting in an even more casual
environment (on the golf course perhaps) make sure your pants are crisply
pressed and you have on a shirt with a collar. A belt and nice casual shoes
(vs. tennis shoes) help pull the outfit together for a more “finished look”.
6 - The Eyes Have It!
When a person looks you in the eyes you can tell they’re sincere. That’s why
it’s important that you make it easy for your clients to look YOU in the eyes.
Don’t wear loud patterns or overpowering colors. Choose colors and shades that
best compliment your skin tone. If you’re not sure what those are, find a
professional who can help you (contact me if you need a good referral).
Everything you wear should help bring the attention to your face, not draw
people towards looking at your belt buckle or chunky necklace.
7 - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Hair trends come and go and if you are a hair stylist, your style should reflect
that. Otherwise, choose a style that compliments your face shape and fits into
your lifestyle. If you are a guy who is “folically challenged”, whatever you do
DON’T comb it over. Embrace your extra forehead and the fact that many guys
willingly shave their heads as a fashion statement. You’re in and don’t even know it. Men also need to be weary of excess facial hair and the
unibrow. While there is a lot of talk about “metrosexuals” and men looking too
feminine, no one wants to look at a caterpillar above your eyes. Find a salon
(yes I said a salon) and have your brows “cleaned up”. You won’t walk out with
pencil shaped brows looking like a woman, I promise you. The same goes for you
ladies. Keep your brows neat as well.
8 - Lastly, Let Your Personality Show
We are all unique individuals. Let that show through your style. Don’t dress
like a conservative accountant if you are the Managing Director of a dance
troupe. It’s important to look professional, but you also need to “look the
part”.
8 Tips for Making a GREAT First Impression - To learn more about this author, visit Victoria Cook's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
As a professional or business owner, you know people make a snap judgment about
you in the first 30 seconds they meet you. No, it’s not necessarily fair to
judge a book by its cover, but it is the reality. Below are some tried and true
simple things you can do to ensure your professional image works for you and not
against you:
1 - Neatness counts!
Make sure your clothes are neat and tidy, have all their buttons, and don’t have
stains. Ensure your clothes are pressed so it doesn’t appear as though you’ve
just rolled out of bed.
2 - Shop Fit NOT Size
Even the most expensive clothes can create a poor first impression if they don’t
fit properly. The average person should have 2 – 3 different sizes in their
closet at any one time. No, I’m not talking about your “fat” or “thin” clothes.
Each manufacturer cuts their garments differently than the next. Expensive
designers also use the trick of cutting their clothes bigger so that the average
sized person wears a smaller size in their garment. Make certain to purchase clothes that
don’t pull at the pants pockets or around the waistline. If you are petite,
expect to have most of your pants and jacket sleeves altered. It’s worth the
investment!
3 - Designers Not Necessary
It isn’t necessary to wear all designer duds to look make a great impression. A
moderately priced suit in a wool or gabardine blend can look “expensive” if
properly accessorized. Grow your wardrobe by choosing key classic pieces. Men,
put your money into your ties. A less expensive suit with a more expensive,
sharp tie looks great. Ladies, invest in a year-round weight suit or separates
for easy mix and match. Refined fabrics are best. Skip the machine washable
suits! Pair your suit with a great broach or scarf to show off your
personality.
4 - These Boots Are Made For More Than Walking
There’s nothing worse than seeing a sharply dressed professional and then
getting to the bottom of the look to see tattered shoes. Guys shine ‘em and make sure your belts match. Ladies, make sure your shoes are in good
repair and replace the heels (or the shoes) if needed, don’t walk around on
nails. It’s unattractive AND dangerous (I know!). The other area many women
miss is hosiery. You want to wear hose that are the same color value or darker
than your skirt and shoes. A good rule to follow is 2 of the 3 (hemline, hose,
and shoes) need to match. That said; don’t walk out the door wearing a red
skirt, nude hose and black shoes.
5 - Business Casual Doesn’t Equal Sloppy
Today many businesses have adopted a “Business Casual” dress code. If you are
meeting clients at their site, you don’t want to be too over dressed or look
sloppy. A sharp pantsuit for the ladies or dress pants with a casual shirt and
blazer for men are great choices. If you are meeting in an even more casual
environment (on the golf course perhaps) make sure your pants are crisply
pressed and you have on a shirt with a collar. A belt and nice casual shoes
(vs. tennis shoes) help pull the outfit together for a more “finished look”.
6 - The Eyes Have It!
When a person looks you in the eyes you can tell they’re sincere. That’s why
it’s important that you make it easy for your clients to look YOU in the eyes.
Don’t wear loud patterns or overpowering colors. Choose colors and shades that
best compliment your skin tone. If you’re not sure what those are, find a
professional who can help you (contact me if you need a good referral).
Everything you wear should help bring the attention to your face, not draw
people towards looking at your belt buckle or chunky necklace.
7 - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Hair trends come and go and if you are a hair stylist, your style should reflect
that. Otherwise, choose a style that compliments your face shape and fits into
your lifestyle. If you are a guy who is “folically challenged”, whatever you do
DON’T comb it over. Embrace your extra forehead and the fact that many guys
willingly shave their heads as a fashion statement. You’re in and don’t even know it. Men also need to be weary of excess facial hair and the
unibrow. While there is a lot of talk about “metrosexuals” and men looking too
feminine, no one wants to look at a caterpillar above your eyes. Find a salon
(yes I said a salon) and have your brows “cleaned up”. You won’t walk out with
pencil shaped brows looking like a woman, I promise you. The same goes for you
ladies. Keep your brows neat as well.
8 - Lastly, Let Your Personality Show
We are all unique individuals. Let that show through your style. Don’t dress
like a conservative accountant if you are the Managing Director of a dance
troupe. It’s important to look professional, but you also need to “look the
part”.
8 Tips for Making a GREAT First Impression - To learn more about this author, visit Victoria Cook's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 | |
 |
No article feedback found. |
| |
Leave Your Feedback |
 | |
| |||
David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
|||
Linda RichardsonLinda Richardson is the Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Richardson, a global sales training and performance improvement company. As a recognized leader in the industry, she has won the coveted Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sales Excellence and she was identified by Training Industry, Inc. as one of the “Top 20 Most Influential Training Professionals.” Ms. Richardson is credited with the movement to Consultative Selling and is the author of ten books on selling and sales management, including Sales Coaching — Making the Great Leap from Sales Manager to Sales Coach, and Stop Telling, Start Selling. She teaches sales and management at the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton Executive Development Center. Linda is a frequent speaker at industry and client conferences, has been published extensively in industry and training journals, and has been featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Nation’s Business, Selling Power, Success, and The Conference Board Magazine. Learn more about Richardson's sales training and performance improvement solutions at http://www.richardson.com web - Visit Linda Richardson's Website |
|||
Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
|||
Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
|||
Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
|||
George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
|||
|
To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us. | |||
 | |
|  |
Subscribe to Victoria's articles
 | |
|
|  |
 | |
|
| |
 | |||||||
|
 | ||
 |
||
 |
||
|
||
|
| ||
 |
| Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details. |
|
|
 |
| Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media |
|
|
 |
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"
Click Here To Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
|
|
|
 Crazy Busy Corporate Secrets Quadruple Your Business Managing Growth Winning Sales Letter |
|
 | ||
 |
Top 50 Business Plans
Top Business Plan Blogs | |
 |
Top 50 HR Blogs 2009
Top 50 HR Blogs 2009 | |
| ||
 | ||||
| ||||
|
| ||||
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
Email us your ideas on how to make our website more valuable! Thank you Sharon from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for your suggestions to make the newsletter look like the website and profile younger entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez and Sean Combs!
|
|
|
