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Business tips J/ / / / / / / / / Y o u h a v e a b o u t s e v e n s e c o n d s . . .

MAKE A GREAT

IMPRESSION

It can take just a quick glance, and no more than

seven seconds, for someone to evaluate you

when you meet for the first time. Opinions are

formed based on appearance, body language,

demeanour, mannerisms and dress. These first

impressions can be nearly impossible to reverse.

Mike Yates provides some guidance on how to

make a great first impression.

W hen you are meeting with a client - or

prospective client, the first impression you

give can literally make or break the deal.

It normally takes an average of just seven

seconds for a person to make a judgment about you

based on your initial meeting. If you don’t give a good

impression, the chances are you won’t have a successful

outcome. However if you do make a great first impression,

people are going to take you more seriously, whether

that’s a potential client or other business acquaintance.

So how do people make their first judgment and what you

can do to be in control of the results? Here are some ideas

on making a lasting first impression.

How do people form their initial opinions?

When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how

you are judged is based on non-verbal information i.e.

your appearance and your body language. Only 7% is

influenced by the words that you speak. However when

your initial contact is on the phone, 70% of perception of

you is based on your tone of voice with 30% being on the

words that you use. So it’s not so much what you say - it’s

very much more about the way that you say it.

Make your first words count

Although research shows that your words make up a mere

7% of what people think of you, always plan ahead. Giving

some form of thank you when you meet a client or potential

contact counts immensely. It could be as simple as “Thank

you for agreeing to meet with me today.” People will always

appreciate you more when you appreciate them.

Refer to people by their name

When meeting with someone, use the other person’s

name in conversation within your first few words and the

first seven seconds and you are sending a message that

means you value that person and are focused on them.

Nothing gets other people’s attention as effectively as

calling them by name.

Keep your hair tidy

This may sound daft but people really do notice your hair

and face first!! Leaving a much-needed trim and tidy up

may cost you in the long run. Being untidy or unkempt says

everything about professionalism in business.

Your shoes

People w ill also look to your feet. A pair o f poorly

m ainta ined shoes may prom pt the question as to

whether you pay attention to other details, especially

in a business setting. Also appropriate footwear that

matches your dress and the type of event you are going

to. Shoes are one of the first things people will see and

a judgement is instantaneous.

AUDIO INFOS I N°87 I A P R IL-M A Y 2014

BUSINESS TIPS

You never get a second chance to

make a first impression.Unknown, mm

Your energy levels

Studies show that people who walk 10-20% faster than

others are viewed as more im portant and energetic.

Picking up your pace and walking with a purpose will

increase people’s perceptions of you.

Your handshake

Most have experienced ‘the limp’ handshake, the ‘bone

c rushe r’ and a handshake tha t jus t seem sincere.

Simple rules here: make complete contact with the other

person’s hand and give a slight squeeze that matches

the pressure of the other person.

Be congruent with your body language

Most importantly from all of the above is that we are

congruent. A simple smile or just a friendly expression

informs the other person that you are pleased to be with

them. Good eye contact informs them that you are paying

attention and are genuinely interested in them.

G en tly lean ing fo rw a rd s tow a rd a c lie n t show s

engagem ent and involvem ent in the conversation.

Effective com m unicators plan and practice giving a

great impression with potential clients. This may be

when arranging a meeting, preparation for a meeting

and your presentation.

In any situation you can get one step closer to getting what

you want by making the right first impression in the first

seven seconds.

M ik e Yates

S U B S C R I P T I O N F O R M

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