First Impressions Count

“You only get one chance to make a first impression.” First impressions are gathered in just seven seconds—yet they can take a lifetime to amend. The funny thing about those first seven seconds is that it’s not enough time to say anything significant; so what is a first impression based on?

Yes, personal appearance makes some difference, but there is much more to it than that. Here are some tips to help you make a positive first impression—whether you are at work or not.

• Answer the phone with a greeting before identifying yourself or your company. This will start the conversation on the right track. By saying just your name as you pick up the telephone, it gives a very cold and disinterested impression—not a good way to create a rapport. Try something like, “Good morning, Rhonda Scharf speaking.”

• Be aware of your facial expression when someone approaches you. People will often judge your mood on how you look when they approach you (or you approach them).

• Read the signs—how does this person appear as they approach? You have a very short time to say the appropriate thing—does the person look happy or annoyed, angry, frustrated or relieved?

• Make your greetings pleasant: “Good morning.” If you know the person’s name, use it. Smile and be friendly.

• To make a good impression with a customer, set her expectations. Tell her what is happening, and approximately how long you think the wait may take.

• If you are going to be late arriving at a customer’s location, always call and advise her (even if you will only be 10 minutes late).

First impressions make such a difference in how we perceive people and how we immediately treat them. If we assume someone isn’t friendly, or doesn’t like his job, we tend to deal with that person quickly and abruptly. If we are treated quickly and abruptly we tend to assume the other person isn’t friendly. It’s a vicious circle, but one that we are in control of.

Imagine that the cameras for the yet-to-be-created reality TV show “What not to do at work” are filming you walking around the office, going to and from your car or the bus, and as you are speaking to colleagues and customers. Do you have reason to be nominated for this show? Would you be embarrassed by what it would show?

Today, focus on the impressions you are leaving other people. Pretend that your future career depends upon it. Make a positive impression on others right now.