This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication:
- 10 Tips To Make a Unforgettable First Impression
- November is Personal Branding Month
- Crafting a Culture of Transparency, Innovation, and Empowerment
-
How to Get Better at Anything
10 Tips To Make a Unforgettable First Impression
We make first impressions all the time — in meetings, video calls, at events.
People form a first impression of you in 0.1 seconds.
And in just 7 seconds, they have a solid impression of who you are.
First impressions matter so much because they happen in the blink of an eye and, once made, are hard to change.
That’s why it is such an important aspect of leadership communications.
(To find out what the #1 factor is for successful leadership communications, take a look at my 90 second video.)
Here are ten tips on how to make a lasting, positive first impression.
#1 Do Your Research
We all like it if someone has obviously done their research before they meet us.
It works both ways: Know who you’re meeting, what they care about, and how you may be able to help them. You already stand out.
#2 Be On Time
How often have you had to wait for someone because of traffic or because they needed to update Zoom?
It gives a bad first impression before the meeting even starts.
#3 Look The Part
Regardless of how much or little you care about fashion or style, be mindful of what you wear and how you look.
This also includes the background on a video call.
#4 Turn on Your Confidence
Be intentional about posture and non-verbal cues when you meet new people. Your body language should be “confident and comfortable”.
If you are nervous, try to calm your nervous system. Take deep breaths, and relax before the meeting.
#5 Make Eye Contact
Make eye contact before you start talking, and maintain regular eye contact during your conversation.
Research shows that if a speaker actively seeks out eye contact when talking, he or she is judged to be more believable, confident and competent.
#6 ‘You Had Me At Hello’
How you introduce yourself, shake their hand, and the words you choose all have an impact. Smile and radiate positivity if appropriate.
Positive and persuasive words tend to make people feel comfortable, ultimately making them more willing to work with you.
#7 Listen & Use Their Names
Be interested to be interesting. Repeat back what the person just said. Make sure you get their names right and use it in the conversation.
We all like hearing our names — but not too often, as it comes across as manipulative.
#8 Create a Connection
We like people who we have something in common with. The goal is to create a connection on a human level.
The bond doesn’t need to be profound — it could be that you attended the same university, have kids the same age, or read the same book recently.
#9 Be Engaging
The way to impress is not by demonstrating your vast knowledge, or turn the encounter into a status game.
It is by being truly curious about the other person. I always ask myself, what can I learn from this person?
#10 Make It Stick
Make sure the first impression sticks by following up. If you had a pitch or a meeting, follow up and thank them for their time.
This confirms the positive impression you made on them in their minds.
Follow these ten steps and you can create a lasting, positive impression that paves the way for meaningful connections – in business and life!
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PODCAST
Crafting a Culture of Transparency, Innovation, and Empowerment
I do a podcast to help you become a top 1% communicator. Please subscribe on Apple or Spotify.
How can leaders navigate the complexities of remote and hybrid work while cultivating an environment that attracts top talent and drives innovation?
In this weeks episode of Speak Like a CEO Podcast I’m talking with Chris Dyer, author of “The Power of Company Culture” and “Remote Work”, to unpack the key pillars of building a world-class company culture.
Discover how to:
- Foster a culture of openness and trust, even in remote/hybrid settings
- Empower employees to solve problems and drive innovation - Attract and retain top talent through an engaging, people-first culture
- Leverage “cockroach meetings” to boost productivity and collaboration
- Adapt your culture and communication for the hybrid/remote landscape
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving, future-proof company culture.
Listen on Spotify and Apple:
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
How to Get Better at Anything
Wouldn’t it be great to know how to get good at any skill?
Scott H. Young manages to boil it down to the three pillars of learning that science tells us are essential: do, see and get feedback.
I love his approach because of its simplicity. In communications, this means:
- See: Watch video courses, podcasts or clips of great speakers.
- Do: Practice presenting, listening, and having tough conversations.
- Get feedback: record yourself and work with a coach or colleagues to identify areas of improvement.
I have followed Young’s work since his first book Ultralearning in which he describes how he became fluent in various languages (the same way I did it - full immersion).
Since skills become outdated faster and faster, Young’s insights on the best way to acquire new skills fast is relevant and timely.
Have an inspired weekend,
Oliver
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