The Power of Positive First Impressions in Business 

“A first impression is the most important impression you’ll ever make—and you only get one chance to make it. Business deals can be made or broken, first dates become second dates or not, friendships are created or fail to form; everything hinges on that all-important initial encounter.”

 -Ann Demarais, Ph.D., and Valerie White, Ph.D., author of “First Impressions”

We live in a fast-paced, global society and people make instant judgments about you that can either open doors for you or close them. Priceless opportunities have been lost for individuals because they have not paid attention to their most visible asset—their presence. Very few degrees or skills can compensate for a poor impression, inadequate social skills, or weak non-verbal communication.  And on a personal level, your presence is just as important. It can either work for you or keep people from wanting to get to know you.

Positive or negative impressions are made by the first contact between two people. The first contact may be written, by telephone, in-person, or virtually.

• According to researchers at Harvard University, we decide if we believe someone, like someone, and trust someone before we have even heard them speak. And we make those judgments in the first few seconds of meeting and rarely change them.

• Appearance counts for 55% of the impression you make. The attitude you project, both verbally and nonverbally, counts for 38%; and lastly, what you say only accounts for 7 %. Yes, 93% of a first impression is nonverbal.

• Image is the impression you make on others, and it is in your control.

  It is the tangible quality you project that people respond to emotionally and intellectually.

• If you have a very positive trait—if you are smart, handsome, funny, kind, and so forth—you are likely to be perceived as having other positive traits.   It is called the “halo effect.”

• Social media can count as a first impression, since most people will Google you before meeting you.  Be sure the impression you convey on social media will ensure you are given a chance to meet in person.

• Meetings and conferences are often held virtually now.  Follow the same guidelines for these meetings that you would for an in-person meeting. Grooming, attire, body language, and what you say will make a positive or negative impression.

A positive, powerful first impression rests on three pillars:

    I. APPEARANCE 

• How you look is important, not only in first impressions, but also in ongoing interactions. Your talent and suitability are evaluated through a critical filter, which is one of the main factors that inspire others to work with or for you. Consistently packaging yourself for success is vital in your chosen field.

• Dress the part by looking appropriate for our environment and the occasion. Demonstrating appreciation for time and place can be seen in one’s attire. Adhering to the dress codes of your workplace and dressing appropriately for events shows goodwill and recognition of the need to align with societal expectations.

  Attire is transformative; it shapes your self-perception and how you relate to the world. Your origin is irrelevant; your destination is what counts. By dressing the part, embodying the role, and coupling your refined appearance with a respectful and considerate demeanor towards others, you can become the person you aspire to be.

• Be well groomed and fit. Being well-groomed is equally, if not more, important than being appropriately dressed. Having styled hair, manicured nails, fresh breath, and wearing clean, ironed clothes with polished shoes are essential. A recent survey of U.S. senior leaders revealed that over a third view grooming and polish as crucial for making a positive impression. Moreover, there’s an increasing focus on fitness for the job today. The workplace has never been more demanding, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and proper nutrition can significantly enhance your job performance and the impression you leave on others.

  II. ATTITUDE/BODY LANGUAGE

• Your attitude signals to others how you feel about yourself, the situation, and them. Your entrance, posture, eye contact, handshake, self-introduction, interaction with colleagues, and job performance all communicate your attitude.

• Your body language either confirms or contradicts your powerful image. Nonverbal cues such as the way you stand, your head movements, facial expressions, and gestures subconsciously confirm or contradict in the mind of the observer the visual message you convey by the way you are dressed. Projecting the correct image of confidence is crucial. In brief, maintaining direct eye contact, standing upright, and extending a firm handshake, along with a warm greeting, will ensure a positive first impression.

    III. ACTIONS

• Choose your words carefully.  Each verbal interaction, be it in-person or online, presents a crucial chance to establish and foster a favorable impression.

• Hone your communication skills. Your communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, are what ultimately win you the attention and favorable opinion of colleagues, clients, and friends.

• Exhibit good manners and show respect towards others. Being courteous and treating people with respect will be noticed and work in your favor, just as poor manners will work against you. Good manners and consideration for others are timeless; and those who recognize that will find themselves not only sought after and promoted, but more importantly, at ease in any social or business situation.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

September 2025

Soft skills are 85% of success in getting a job; keeping a job; and moving up in an organization, according to research.  And a person’s soft skills are what attract or discourage others from wanting to be around them.

Follow these tips to polish your soft skills to win friends, dates, and jobs in 2014:

1.   Be interested in others and the world around you. People like people who are genuinely interested in them and what is going on in the world around them–not people who are just interested in themselves.

2.   Be a good listener and ask questions.  People like to know they are being heard and that their ideas are appreciated. By being a good listener, you let others know that you value them and what they have to say.

3.   Be sincere. Flattery will get you everywhere, but only if it is authentic. Cultivate a genuine personality that is consistent and free from pretense, and people will warm up to you and trust you.

4.   Be good natured; have a sense of humor. Try to make the best of situations; and don’t take yourself too seriously.

5.   Be a team player. “We’re all in this together; and let’s make it work” is an attitude that is appreciated by everyone.

6.   Be optimistic. People like people who are positive. No one wants to be around someone who is pessimistic and has a negative attitude toward life.

7.   Be confident.  Confidence is an attractive trait; it will make people want to be around you and follow your lead.

8.   Be open and approachable. Smile. Make eye contact. Use body language that says “I am open for business.”

9.   Be skilled at making small talk. Small talk “breaks the ice;” it makes others feel comfortable and puts them at ease. It is an essential soft skill in both your personal and professional life.

10. Be polite.  Having good manners and a respectful attitude toward others will make people want to be around you–in and out of the office.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick