First impressions

We've all heard about making a great first impression, and the negatives that happen when you don't. Our clothing, spoken words, body language and attitude are all scrutinized when we meet others. And we, in turn, evaluate them. This is happening at social get-togethers, business meetings and networking events - just about anywhere you meet others.

Should you care what others think? Does it matter? Well, yes, when it comes to the business world, especially. It matters when you're trying to make a sale to a law firm and you show up for the meeting in shorts and a t-shirt, while the competition shows up in a 3-piece suit. It matters when you're a business owner and you know that your personal image ties into the business image.

But I believe that all this doesn't matter unless you give the correct 1st impression to the most important person in your life. That one person's opinion that matters more than anyone else, is you. Your impression of yourself is what will determine what happens that day!

Each day is a new day, and each day you can give yourself the "right" impression, which is determined by you. Whether you're a sales person, business owner or stay-at-home mom, you must be true to yourself. If you're being something different to impress others, or give an impression you think they want to see, you're accomplishing nothing in the long term.

You don't need another person's opinion when you know yourself. When you reach that, you have the confidence to be who you are. You'll be happy and content with what you see in the mirror each morning, and the impression you leave with others is exactly what and who you are.

But, what if someone doesn't like your clothing? What if they don't like your hair? So what? When you're happy with who you are, you're going to be OK when people don't get the "right" 1st impression. Because who says what's right and what's wrong? You won't be living by another person's standard, you'll be living by your own. And when you are true to yourself, you're giving the "right" 1st impression.