What Does “First Impression” Really Mean?
We’ve all been there—you meet someone for the first time,
and within seconds, there’s that gut feeling. It’s like your mind has already
decided how you feel about them before you’ve even fully processed what’s
happening. That’s the magic (and sometimes the challenge) of a first
impression.
Put simply, a first impression is the instinctive opinion or
vibe we get from someone right off the bat. It’s not always rational, and it
happens super fast—sometimes in just a fraction of a second! In the world of
sales, this quick judgment can make or break an interaction. Start off on the
right foot, and people are far more likely to open up and listen. But get it
wrong, and it’s like there’s an invisible wall that’s tough to break down.
The truth is, our brains are wired to make these snap
judgments. We can’t help it—it’s human nature. So the goal is to make those
first few seconds count. Nail that first impression, and you’re halfway to
building trust and rapport with someone new.
NOTE: First Impression is Last Impression explores the profound impact of first impressions in personal and professional settings, particularly in the Malaysian context. It delves into practical tips such as dressing appropriately, mastering body language, being punctual, and maintaining a positive attitude to leave a memorable impression. Highlighting relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, the piece underscores how small details can create lasting perceptions, urging readers to approach first encounters with intention and care.
What are First Impressions Sales?
A first impression is a process that occurs when an individual first encounters another person. It can be very important to assess a person's personality, but it can also be misleading. In a study conducted by McGill University researchers, they found that it is possible to rely on these first impressions to make an accurate assessment. A first impression is made based on various factors such as age, race, language, appearance, and the number of people involved.
You have to decide how you want people to perceive you. For
instance, what word do you want them to associate with you? Also, ask yourself
how you would like to interact with people and what kinds of interactions you
would like to have with them.
The first impression is the most important thing a person can make, it sets the tone for what's to come. The last impression is what's left, and it's what people will remember. Getting the right first impression is very important to ensure that your brand will stand out from the crowd.
What is a Good First Impression?
Your first impression is very important to people's perception of you, and it can help them feel comfortable around you and open up to you. This is also beneficial for you as it allows you to build a stronger relationship with people.
The importance of first impressions is because they last a long time after the event has happened. This is because, through the primacy effect, people tend to remember the things that happened before they encounter something else. It's normal for people to make a judgment about others when they first meet them, but they should also realize that people can quickly formulate their own opinions about them.
A good first impression is very important in the business world, as it can affect how people perceive and respond to you. According to Arthur Dobrin, a neuropsychologist, the reason why it's so powerful is that the brain processes information in sequential order. Having a good first impression can help people distinguish yourself from the crowd and make you feel more confident and trustworthy.
A professional appearance and attitude are two of the most important factors that a person should consider when it comes to making a good first impression. Being honest, professional, and caring are some of the characteristics that people look for in a good first impression.
To have a positive first impression, you should aim to be consistent with these five factors: promptness, appearance, conversation, smile, and shake. You have plenty of practice doing these every time you go out with other people, whether you're at home or on the road.
NOTE: What Factors Are Involved in Creating a First Impression explores the essential elements that contribute to making a strong first impression, particularly in the Malaysian context. It discusses factors like appearance, emphasizing appropriate attire and grooming; body language, including posture and eye contact; communication skills, focusing on active listening and clear speech; punctuality, highlighting the importance of being on time; and attitude, stressing positivity and enthusiasm. Through relatable anecdotes and practical tips, the article underscores how these components collectively influence others' perceptions and offers guidance on how to leave a lasting, positive impression in various social and professional settings.
How to Make a Great First Impression on Customers?
Other than those tips to create killer sales calls, you want to pay special attention to this subject. In this article, you're going to discover that the first impression is made up of 3 components. When you successfully have done this, you can gain prospects' and customers' trust, and build a relationship with them.
How To Make A Good First Impression
You are going to get the keys to making a great first impression in sales. These keys are activities that unlock the doors to prospects' and customers' good impressions of you. You probably have been doing these all along without being aware of them.
A good smile is the most important thing that people can do to make a good first impression. It can help them feel valued and included in their social interactions. Being positive and smiling can help a person who you are talking to for a short amount of time feel valued and included in your company. It will also help them feel like they are being supported properly.
One of the most important factors that people should consider when it comes to making a good first impression is being confident when greeting someone for the first time. According to Emily Post, there are five things that people should do when meeting someone. These include looking them in the eye, giving a firm handshake, saying their name slowly and clearly, and smiling. Before you start talking, make sure that the person knows your first and last name, as well as the company you're working for.
Good impressions lead to rapport, and rapport leads to trust. You already know that trust is essential in building a relationship.
Here are your 3 keys to creating good first impressions:
- 1) Develop rapport
- 2) Established credibility
- 3) Professional appearance
- Develop rapport
Your relationship with prospects and customers is critical to your business. One good thing about building a relationship is it starts merely with building rapport. Your good rapport then develops over time and turns to trust. Prospects and customers' trust create comfort when dealing with them.
That is, of course, very important to you too.
As a sales representative, you'll be seeing the same customers more than once throughout your career. It pays to visit those you're comfortable working with, right? Prospects or customers are not the only groups you'll be seeing. There are support staffs whom you need to understand, and there are the all-important 'gatekeepers' - the receptionists.
Rapport should start the minute you approach customers' offices. Remember when you went through info gathering and setting sales call objectives? Support staffs are one of the resources you could use to find useful info for your prospects.
Developing rapport depends on:
- a) Respect
- b) Empathy
- c) Common ground
Try answering the following questions before you walk into your prospect's office:
- What ways can you think of to build rapport with the receptionists?
- How can you build rapport with the office support staff?
- How did you build rapport with others? Can you apply that to building rapport with support staff or receptionist?
- How to build rapport with the prospect?
- What can you use to build rapport?
- What you cannot use to build rapport?
-
Establishing credibility
Credibility as sales representatives could come from many sources. For example, from the company you represent and from the brand of product you promote. There are cases where customers like you as a person, but that could potentially become a disadvantage because they might not take you seriously enough to grant you a commitment. Credibility, then, is not a stand-alone subject.
It too is based on three components:
- i) Knowledge
- ii) Confidence
- iii) Integrity
Answer the following questions:
- What are ways to establish credibility?
- How do you show a business-like approach?
- What are the suggestions for maintaining a professional appearance?
- Professional Appearance
How you create a professional appearance?
How you maintain it?
Since professional appearance contributes towards your establishing credibility, let us look at two things that support it:
- Confident body language
- Good grooming.
Let's suppose that you are an image consultant employed by your company to advise new sales reps:
How would you write standards for professional appearance for them?
You now have the knowledge of creating good first impressions. You also know the importance of first impressions in sales that you build from simple rapport to trust. And finally, you have 3 keys to create a good idea. Use all these to help you make more revenue for the company you represent and put more commission in your pocket.