First Impressions

What is the first thing you notice when you see someone for the first time. Do you look into their eyes, stare at their face, or check out their body from head to toe like i do sometimes?

First impression is the most important aspect of networking and meeting up with folks in a professional setting. 

Did you know that first impressions are lasting?

Did you know that any information about a person, from their physical appearance to their non-verbal and verbal behaviors- has been shown to last for months?.

In this current digital age and dealing with the correct pandemic - our digital impression could be our voice, tone, email or chat message. All your information on the internet could even act as a first impression. 

Have you googled your name recently? Research yourself and find out the kind of information the world wide web holds about you. 

Hiring firms do this as part of their research for potential candidates. 

Build up your linkedin, facebook, Instagram to brand yourself.

A psychologist called Zebrowitz confirmed that people with the "right" kind of face, are judged as more likeable, knowledgeable and capable. However, those with the "wrong" kind of face are deemed unapproachable, incompetent and untrustworthy. So your face alone can have a big impact on your social life, your career success and even legal decisions. 

According to business insider, lot sof our first impression come from things we can't control at all - natural scent, baby-like face , wearing glasses or being bald. for instance, men who have feminine facial features, like thinner eyebrows and pointier chin are more likely to seem trustworthy.

Some people view people wearing designers like Tommy hilfiger as having a high social status.

Research also shows people with baby like or feminine facial features were viewed as more trustworthy - thank God for motherhood. 

Did you know men who wore tailored suit were rated as more successful?

In conclusion, consider smiling more, nodding your head, mimicking the person's body language, and making appropriate eye contact when meeting someone for the first time. 

Further Reading