How you look, conduct yourself, and how comfortable you make others feel are the ingredients in the impression you give the world. We all stereotype instantly. Our brains organize information based on familiar patterns and pictures. The first question we ask when meeting someone is "What do you do?" We need to categorize the person. Doctor? Rich. Artist? Nonconformist. So ask yourself: How might others stereotype me?
Let's start with how you look. Are you dressed appropriately for the situation, event, or venue? Are you well groomed including nails, hair, and teeth? The answer should be 'yes' to both these questions. You see, as you approach, before you ever open your mouth, others have decided wether they will engage with you or not. Yes, they are judging you by your appearance! It's not a conscience decision to judge, it's simply human nature. We decide very quickly if we are comfortable enough to engage in conversation with another person or not based on the limited information available to us, appearance.
The way you conduct yourself sends a message too. Are you slumped over, looking down at the floor? Or, are you standing tall, head and chest up, making eye contact, and smiling? The first scenario will scare people off and they will avoid you. But the later scenario says: 'I welcome you in. I'm friendly. I'm engaging. I'm happy to be here.' Again, we are more comfortable when others make eye contact and smile.
By now you may have noticed that all roads lead back to how comfortable you make others feel. It is their level of comfort with you, your appearance, and your behavior that directly relate to the impact and impression you leave.
Plan for your first impression. Be mindful and sensitive of the comfort level of others. Be polite, mind your manners, dress the part, stand tall, make eye contact, smile, and allow your authentic self to shine through!
