Financial Blog

Isn’t it a little ironic that it only takes seven seconds to make a first impression, but that same impression can last a lifetime? Here are some tips to ensure that the next impression you leave is a great one.

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you, so make sure it’s radiant! Practice good hygiene by brushing your teeth after every meal with whitening toothpaste in addition to flossing to remove plaque between your teeth. Carry lip balm around in case your lips get chapped—you don’t want a bloody or painful smile! (Side note: make sure your breath stays fresh by drinking a lot of water or eating mints.)

Fun fact: In preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China chose hundreds of girls from flight attendant school to become service representatives. These girls were trained to hold a natural-looking smile for over 10 minutes! Their facial muscles were conditioned by biting on a chopstick for long periods of time.

“Eyes are windows to the soul.” It is a pretty cliché statement but there’s no doubting that your eyes are also one of the first things people see. When conversing with someone, hold eye contact for just the right amount of time: more when listening, less when speaking. If eye contact is held too long, you may be perceived as rude or condescending but a shorter period of time may cause you to be perceived as insincere and unconfident.

Focus is an important part of eye contact. People can sense whether you’re looking at them even when you’re not making direct eye contact. If your vision is blurred, you may want to consider Lasik Eye Surgery. After all, if eyes are windows to the soul, you’ll want to make you see others clearly.

As you have been reading this article, you were probably slouching in front of your smartphone or computer and, upon reading this, you sat up straighter. Your parents were right: good posture is important – not just to make a better impression on people but also to decrease the stress your joints and muscles experience.

There are many guides on how to correct your posture online, but the most basic of them all is to check your posture every now and then. When you feel that you’re slouching, re-adjust and sit straight. Repeat this frequently until it becomes second nature.

What we wear matters when making a first impression, especially in the workplace. In a 2013 study by Psychology Today, a photo of a man in an ill-fitting suit was compared to the same man in a tailored suit. Participants rated the man in the tailored suit more favorably because he looked more confident and successful. Even subconsciously, people judge us according to what we wear.

So dress for success. You don’t have to follow high-fashion trends or look like you’re ready to walk down the runway, but remember not to be lazy with your clothing choices. It’s wise to invest in a few pieces of well-fitting clothing appropriate for business meetings and special occasions.

Ready for a great 2016? We know you’ll be ready to make an amazing first impression on the people you’ll meet.