Make a memorable first impression for your personal brand (for the right reasons)
First impressions are formed within milliseconds. And it’s lasting. So, what impressions are your personal brand leaving?
Eminem perhaps summed it up best when he said:
“Look,
if you had
one shot
or one opportunity
to seize everything you ever wanted
in one moment,
would you capture it
or just let it slip?”
Maybe you’re headed to a job interview, meeting someone new or networking? Don’t miss your one shot to make a memorable first impression. The type you actually want to make.
In this blog, I’m sharing my ‘H.E.L.L.O.’ framework. Your easy reminder to help set your personal brand up for first impression success.
The Science of First Impressions
First impressions are commonly said to occur within the first seven seconds of your interaction. Some research even shows that it can be formed within a tenth of a second. This means people are judging us almost instantaneously.
After a bad first impression, ‘Let’s start over’ is a nice notion. In reality, research shows that this is much more difficult. First impressions not only happen within moments, but they are lasting. Once formed, they’re difficult to change. This impacts subsequent interactions and perceptions. As they say, you never get a second chance at a first impression.
So, how can you make a good one?
1. Handshakes
Handshakes are the universal greeting. They help establish rapport when initiating an interaction. They play a pivotal role in first impressions.
People often form snap judgments about others' personality traits based on their handshake. A firm handshake, for example, is associated with confidence, assertiveness, and competence. A weak or limp handshake may be interpreted negatively.
Avoid a ‘wet fish handshake’, the characteristics of which include:
1. Lack of grip
2. No energy
3. Minimal contact
4. Short duration
The ‘wet fish handshake’ lacks strength and warmth. So, they are perceived as unprofessional and show a lack of enthusiasm.
Handshake customs vary across cultures. This influences the style, duration, and appropriateness of handshakes. In Japan and China, handshakes are generally lighter and less firm compared to Western cultures. Excessive firmness may be perceived as aggressive or overly dominant. In the Middle East, however, handshakes might be longer and warmer.
Whatever the style, handshakes create a physiological response. Responses include changes in heart rate and hormone levels. It activates the body's stress response or promotes feelings of trust and cooperation.
2. Exterior Design
We love to say we don’t judge a book by its cover - another idealistic idea. But, we do.
If first impressions are formed within seconds, it’s likely you haven’t said a word yet.
Some studies have shown between 62%-90% of this swift judgement is based on colour alone.
You can either choose to be offended or intimidated by these judgements or use them to your advantage. For example, you can be intentional about the colours you wear. And what these colours communicate for you. You can learn more about popular colour psychology in my previous blog.
You can also be intentional about your clothing choices. Over time, we’ve been conditioned to attribute certain styles and shapes of clothing to certain meanings. To learn more about different style personalities, see my earlier blog.
All the hard work of the first impressions of your personal brand can be undone with poor hygiene. Smell fresh, and keep tidy and clean hair. If you wear nail polish, ensure your nails aren’t chipped.
The exterior of your personal brand is not some superficial idea. It’s the outward expression of what’s within.
3. Listen
The Communications Pie model tells us in an exchange communication consists of:
Words: 7%
Tone of voice: 38%
Non-verbal communication: 55%
This means non-verbal communication does most of the talking for you. You’ve likely heard all the usual advice. Smile, nod, make direct eye contact - all the things that show you’re listening. In my view, if you’re having this inner dialogue, it’s likely you’re not listening anyway.
I prefer to suggest actually listening. Stephen Covey said it best:
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to respond.”
I once had an acquaintance leave a poor first impression on a group I had introduced them to at a networking event. Their eyes darted around for the next perhaps ‘more important’ conversation (ironically not realising their influence in the community). I heard about the unfavourable first impression immediately after the event. And at all costs, avoid looking for the more valuable conversation. The most ‘important’ people to know rarely display that about themselves anyway.
Be present at networking events. In meetings, put down your phone. Silence your emails. You never know what you might learn.
4. Learn
Do you struggle with talking more than you listen? Do you feel the need to control the conversation? Then, Brian Tracy in his book The Psychology of Selling makes a compelling case for listening: Whoever asks the questions, controls the conversation.
You can speak roughly 100-150 words per minute but can process 600 words. The person listening is always at an advantage over the person talking:
“As a rule, the person who asks questions has control. The individual who is answering the questions is controlled by the person who is asking them.”
5. Offer
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, stop asking yourself what this person can do for you. Instead, ask what you can do for this person.
Listen for the problem they are trying to solve. And without your sales hat on, genuinely want the best for them. Send them info on something you know might be useful. Make a connection for them. Offer to help in whatever way you can. When it comes to your personal brand, you attract the energy you create.
