Impressions…

Good evening dear reader & welcome to my world for another week. In my journey the last six days I noted a significant paradigm shift in customer service received from a supplier one would not expect to get. We were out for dinner on Thursday evening & upon return it appeared we had no internet services. Even my mobile refused to respond. Into computer room as one does & turned on computer to ascertain no access. Messed around only because I did not have time the next day.

I decided to call my ISP, Vodafone. Well I hear you say, a slagging off is coming. To the contrary dear friends I finally managed to get a lovely chap called Justin @ circa 1050pm. During the conversation, one of frustration on my part, as I am certainly not blessed with technical skills, I ascertained he finished for the day @ 11pm. Long story short, he had us up & running by 1120pm. And what an absolute blessing to be served by such a young gentleman to whom nothing really appeared problematic.

There is no doubt we have all heard the adage you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. What many people do not realize is just how important a first impression can be. As a rule, people judge others within the first 3 to 5 seconds of meeting them. The judgment is made without conscious thought, so it is important I think for individuals to do their best & make a good impression, professionally & personally. Often, it is the simplest concepts of good manners or business etiquette which are forgotten. Nevertheless, there are steps anyone can take to improve the impression they make in those crucial first moments.

For example, a confident, relaxed smile is the best way to put other people at ease. Scientists have found, smiling is an important social cue 1, & other people will respond to smiles. If a person smiles in joy, others around them will smile, & their brain activity will actually mimic the activity in the brain of the person who initiated the smile.

Good manners never go out of style. They are indicative of your respect for yourself & others. “Please,” “Thank you,” and “You are Welcome,” are not meaningless words; they demonstrate to others you value their effort, thought, &/or generosity. Using socially significant words, offer behavioural cues to other people when you meet for the first time; this is particularly true when engaging with elders.

I believe personally it is usually better to be overdressed than under-dressed. Once again, the way a person dresses can demonstrate their respect for whoever they are meeting. For example, showing up for a job interview in inappropriate attire means either you do not understand the job, or you do not care whether or not you are hired. Wearing a tie & you are half way there if I was the interviewer…

Eye contact is another important cue, & those who do not make eye contact place themselves at a social disadvantage, especially during public speaking. Most people believe those who do not make eye contact are lying or avoiding something, or they lack the confidence to interact effectively with other people.
When meeting someone for the first time, it is important to make your words count. Additionally, others may not be able to understand you if you do not speak clearly & in a voice loud enough to be heard. A clear, well-modulated speaking voice is an important social tool, & contributes to the ease of communication & a good first impression.

Finally, one should never bad mouth anyone, or engage in malicious gossip. This also applies to any online presence you may have on social media, like Facebook or Twitter. Employers I understand often monitor comments made on social networks, so best advice, just do not do it. If you would not want your mother to see a picture or read a comment, keep it off your public pages.

While it may be trite, the best advice may be to treat other people as you wish to be treated. A friendly, courteous demeanour is always a good way to make a favourable first impression on the people you meet. When you think about the way others will perceive you, consider your reaction when meeting different people & emulate the ones who made the best first impression on you. So, well done Justin, you did yourself & your employer proud & I am sharing your success accordingly.

Thank you for taking the time to be with me once again. I hope my journey may encourage you also.     This is Kenn Butler in Paradise, Nelson, with my best wishes for your week ahead.

 
www.kennbutler.com


1 http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-ways-improve-social-skills-and-make-you-sociable-anytime.html