2 First Impression Skills You Can Do Now

First impression skills can be learned. The following 2 skills are the nuts and bolts of making a lasting positive first impression.

Making a positive first impression takes only a few seconds. It also requires only a few seconds to do or say something where the consequence may be impossible to fix.

First Impression Skill # 1 Be Honest

Each of us learn this fundamental truth, be honest, in youth. Yet, many people embellish the truth about themselves.

For example, during a job interview, people boast of how they made a project successful or how they are very good at doing a specific task.

The truth is they contributed little to the project or only have a basic understanding of how to do a task.

Little white lie is okay, right?

The first impression skill of honesty goes beyond interviewing for a job.

Like a job interview, on a first-date, people tend to spin-their-story. They do this thinking this will win the heart of the person they are with.

Little white lie is okay, right?

The first impression skill of honesty is important because embellishing who you are is foolhardy.

Why?

First, astute potential employers will do a background check. Similarly, first dates and people you meet for the first time do exactly what you do when you meet someone new - check their social media profiles.

Question, is your social media profile consistent with who you are?

It needs to be. Potential employers check-it out. Would be dates, check-it out. And everyone and anyone who you meet for the first time is likely to look at your social media footprint.

If you are anything less than you, you will be found out. First impression skill number one is be honest.

By-the-way, why do I say 'skill'?

Answer, because it is so easy to fall into the trap of little white lies that you have to consciously work at being truthful. Being honest ought to come natural. Today you have to learn it.

First Impression Skills #2 Be You

Trying too hard to make a great first impression can be disastrous. What happens, is that you try to be what is out-of-character for you. Most people can see through this.

The secret to a great start is just being you.

Okay, sounds easier than said. You want to be liked. You want the job. Maybe you are even a little self-confident, so you try to pretend to be more macho than you are.

Unfortunately, you cannot keep up the charade forever.

Just being you means the other person, potential employer or potential love, meets the real you. If there is not a good match between the real you, better to find out now than weeks down the road. Better to not start a relationship than to have one based on a disguise.

First impression skill number 2 is stop trying and just be. Be you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?2-First-Impression-Skills-You-Can-Do-Now&id=9841540

7 Ways to Get People to Believe, Like and Respect You

There are some simple, yet often forgotten, business principles that can build a positive professional reputation and keep credibility intact -- for you and your business. Here are seven ways to convey that you are poised, polished and ready to conduct business with the highest standards of professionalism.

1. Be honest.

Unfortunately, fraud and scandals are too common in modern business. Your credibility is rooted in your ability to be honest, no matter the situation. Although you might be tempted to intentionally lie, misstate or misrepresent yourself or an aspect of your business, the long-term cost severely outweighs any short-term benefit. Even small fibs can damage or ruin your reputation.

2. Keep your word.

Your professional reputation is damaged when you don’t deliver on a promise. Every time you make a commitment, you have the opportunity to raise or lower your credibility quotient. Your word is all you’ve got. It’s important to be straightforward and upfront, letting everyone involved know what to expect before you start a new project. No one likes surprises. If you can’t complete a task before the deadline or stay within the budget, let clients know immediately. People tend to be much more understanding and forgiving if they’ve had advance warning.

3. Admit your mistakes.

Failure is an inevitable aspect of business. Though mistakes happen, successful managers and entrepreneurs understand how important it is to focus on solutions rather than obsess over problems.

To maintain a professional reputation as someone who is reliable and trustworthy, own up to mistakes as soon as they occur. Don’t attempt to cover up, ignore or minimize your errors or those of your business. Instead, take responsibility and find a solution. Always learn from your mistakes and then move on.

4. Be punctual.

Clients will evaluate you in part on your dependability. Most people will choose to work with someone who consistently delivers projects on time and on budget over someone who is talented but unreliable. Manage your time carefully to ensure that you never miss a meeting, deadline or commitment.

When meeting with clients or associates, arrive a few minutes early. Give yourself a buffer for travel to account for any traffic delays, inclement weather or difficulty with parking. If you arrive with plenty of time to spare, take a few moments to go to the restroom and gain your composure. Take advantage of your punctuality and build rapport with others who have arrived early. If something unavoidable happens to delay you, don’t make up an excuse. Instead, simply apologize. 

5. Don’t use foul language.

Choose your words carefully. What you say and how you say it can deeply impact how others perceive you. Using profanity and foul language in public can send the message that you are immature, impatient and lack self-control. Swearing in a professional setting will never command the respect of those around you. Instead, a foul mouth will isolate and alienate you from others. Don’t give clients, co-workers and customers an excuse to not work with you. If you find yourself so angry or upset that you start to lose your temper, walk away. It’s much better to excuse yourself to another room than direct your anger at someone else.

6. Handle conflict gracefully.

There will be times when you don’t agree with your clients, colleagues or partners. The potential for arguments and disagreements will always be a part of doing business. But how you handle difficult situations will reveal your character. If a client tests your patience or questions your authority, don’t allow the situation to ruffle your feathers. Try not to react with anger or take frustrations out on someone else. Instead, work with the client to find a compromise. When you’re wrong, yield with grace.

7. Don’t burn bridges.

The business world is tumultuous. Never speak negatively of a past client or business relationship. Your adversary today could be your ally tomorrow. In 1992, I lost my job to a department-wide layoff. Though it would have been easy to lose touch, I kept in contact with my former director. Two years later, when I was interviewing for a public relations position at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla., she was happy to give me a good reference. Her recommendation helped me get the job.

Relationships change and people may surprise you with a change in position or stature. The person you once took for granted may eventually turn out to be a powerful acquaintance.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238680