Many people fail to recognize how important first impressions are and how fast people make judgments about who you are, what you do, and the kind of life you lead. Did you know that most people will make a judgment about you in less than 30 seconds. They will assess your visual and behavioral appearance. They will notice the watch you are wearing, the brand of scarf you have around your neck, your shoes, the bag or briefcase you are carrying, the healthiness of your hair and the color of your teeth all within 30 seconds.

Why Do We Do This?

We all do it, even if we fail to realize we are doing it. We do it because when we meet someone we are looking for that common ground. We want something to relate to and we are attracted to those who are similar to us physically, intellectually and socially.

This is true whether we are interviewing for a job, hoping to meet someone special, working the room at a party, or just going out for groceries.

How Can I Make a Better First Impression?

1. Ask people who know you well. There is often a gap between how we think we are perceived and how others actually see us. Ask people what they thought of you when they first met you. Ask them what they think you are showing to the world.

2. Ask yourself these questions:

• What do you want to project to the world?
  
• What message do you want to send about who you are?
  
• What do you want others to see and know about you?
  
• Assuming you could judge a book by its cover, what would you want yours to say?
  
• When someone walks away from you after meeting you for the first time, how would you want them to feel? What would you want them to say?

3. Be remarkable. There are probably hundreds of people trying to get the job, multiple people eyeing the person at the other end of the bar or on the next treadmill, and countless others with whom you come in contact on a daily basis. Never settle for being average. Wow them and inspire them. Say something meaningful to them and say it first and better than anyone else.

4. Embrace change and do something every single day that challenges you and makes you see something in a different way. Invest in who you are and grow through education, experiences, and interactions so that you may always bring something fresh and new to the party.

5. Be memorable. Apply these tips to every area of your life, whether you are working in a company (employee distinction) or running your own business (competitive advantage).

6. Realize that everything you say and do prompts others to think and feel a certain way. Send the message you intend by paying attention to your tone of voice and how they are receiving it. Pay attention to their facial expressions and read the crowds. Learn how to adjust without them knowing it and show interest in what is being discussed. Be accessible and disarm them with a smile.

7. Take pride in your physical appearance. Dress appropriately and stylishly but do not draw attention to yourself with clothes. Stay active and fit and exude confidence and energy to those around you. People who dress well and look as though they care about their appearance, will draw people to them. Whether you like it or not, people respond more openly to those they see as attractive. This does not mean you must be a super model; however, it does mean that you should take care in how you present yourself to the world. Your clothes send a message about you and though your physical appearance will not ultimately be the focus, if you fail to recognize the importance of this part of the "game," you will have less of a chance to show them who you really are.

It may seem like a lot of work but if you do not pay attention to how powerful those first few minutes can be, you will likely be wondering why the call never came.