Thursday, March 25, 2010

Your First Impression

We all know that first impressions matter - but do we really know it?

Author Tom Peters, writing in "The Little Big Things", has these comments about First Impressions:

We need constant reminding that first impressions matter - a lot. In his typical hyperbole, Peters goes beyond first impressions to the

Science and Art of the Construction of and Execution and Maintenance of Fantastic Beginnings

The oft-quoted claim of Fox News' Roger Ailes is that we have 7 seconds to make a first impression. He gives this advice:
  • Amp up your attitude - square your shoulders, lean into the conversation, and make sure your eyes shine
  • Give your message a mission - if you've got something you want to get from the interaction, stay on message.
  • Recognize "face value" - engage in your conversation by being in the moment and focusing on the recipient(s) of your message

The bottom line? Pay mindful attention to how you engage - it's as important (or maybe more important) that content.

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