Undoubtedly a first impression is based mainly on physical appearance; that’s where we invest time and analysis to put together our outfit, everything to look amazing and project what we want. But, that’s not all that matters.
The professional image encompasses everything from what we wear, to how we communicate. This means that we have to be congruent between what we project physically in a first impression, what we do, say or how we behave afterwards.
Many times people leave aside one of the two factors. For example, the typical case of meeting an important person and arriving at the place and not being able to even recognize it since it does not physically project what we expected; or, on the contrary, to arrive at the place and actually meet that person who “apparently” looks like we expected but behaves in a despotic or other unexpected manner.
For this it is essential that these two tools (look and behavior) go hand in hand.
Here are some pointers that I have used myself in my 20+ years as an entrepreneur.
1. Investigate a little about the company or business of the person with whom you are going to meet. Having knowledge about the business your are meeting with and it’s people will give you an advantage.
2. Be punctual. with punctuality we refer exactly to the time of the appointment. Arriving late at an appointment makes for a poor first impression and is just very unprofessional and rude. Try to show up 10 minutes before.
3. Greet firmly. A handshake is an art and projects your personality. Do it with force but without tightening too much because you do not want to project yourself as dominant.
4. Make eye contact and smile. During your appointment pay attention to the other person, interact with him/her by looking him/her in the eyes and smile as many times as necessary to relax the tension.
5. Maintain good posture. Body language communicates much about what we think and feel, so, stay right, avoid folded arms to project openness and accessibility.
And finally … self confidence!
Remember that the image encompasses everything and confidence is also projected. Get dressed and act like a professional.
What are your tips for business meetings? Let me know in the comments below.
