How to: First Impressions

We all have been in a situation where we had to make the PERFECT first impression but didn't really know what that means. First impressions are hard, I know that from experience. Though we say not to judge a book by its cover, that is exactly what we do. Making sure everything we do creates a strong first impression is important. But how do we do that? What should we take into consideration when meeting someone for the first time?

Meet "The Power of First Impressions" by Vanessa Van Edwards, an amazing resource breaking down the psychology behind first impressions and how to ace them and showing off yourself. As a business student who is CONSTANTLY networking, creating good first impressions is an important aspect of my life. Setting yourself aside in those first 20 secs can change the next 20 mins of the conversation.

What I learned:

- We decide if we like, trust, or want to work with someone within 20 seconds of meeting them

- Elements of a first impression:

o Appearance

o Energy

o Facial expression

o Handshake

o Body language

- Short talk doesn’t create long term bongs

- Conversation Topics:

o TV Shows

o “Is there anything good happening today”