100 ways to make a powerful first impression

According to a New York University (NYU)

and Harvard University study by Solomon,

PhD, Chairman of the Marketing Department

Graduate School of Business it is not just

one thing that people judge about us just

seven short seconds after meeting us, but

there are eleven different factors. 2009

Scientists identify the Neural Circuitry of First Impressions

One ... two ... three ... four.

You might have started counting

aloud in your head as you read that.

Take a moment and count to seven,

use that time to appreciate just how

long seven seconds really is if you

are looking at someone.

Studies suggest that we make

our first impression almost instantly

and that this first impression lingers

with us for a long time. Some studies

report it takes 3 seconds, others 10

seconds, and yet others 30

seconds. Anyway, it obviously

only takes a moment, maybe a

blink of an eye, until others judge

you based on their first

impression alone.

This means that before you

even get a chance to introduce

yourself, e.g. your potential

employer, the interviewer or your

new boss already has a certain

image of you in his or her mind

because of how you look.

The 11 rapid-fire decisions our brain makes about others within the first 7 seconds of being seen:

1 Economic level

2 Education level

3 Competence, honesty, believability, credibility

4 Sex role identification

5 Level of sophistication

6 Trustworthiness

7 Level of success

8 Religious background

9 Political background

10 Social, sexual, professional desirability

11 Ethnic background

YOU HAVE SECONDSMAKE THEM COUNT!

Executive Image Consulting, 2013 1This E-Book is proprietary in nature. Any further distribution or re-use for commercial or private purposes without the prior consent of Executive Image Consulting is strictly prohibited.

http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2009/03/08/scientists_identify_the_neural.html








The ABC’s of a

Professional Imprint

A professional imprint, which is a major part of your personal branding, requires all three components:

Appearance | How you lookIt’s your total look, the way

you present yourself from

head to toe. What do others

see when they see you?

Behavior | How you actIt’s your attitude and the way

you behave that makes a

significant difference in how

others see and judge you.

Communication | How you talkIt’s your ability to

communicate with others, for

better or worse.

“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

First impressions are really tough to

change because, once formed, we

typically do not search for evidence to

change that initial conclusion. What

we look for is validation of our initial

opinion, not contrary evidence.

What you say does

not matter?

All right, that is a little

exaggerated, but studies suggest that

approximately 93% of how people

judge us when meeting face-to-face is

decided upon our non-verbal

presentation. Our body language and

the way we present ourselves. The

words that we speak? Those only

account for 7% or so.

No question, there are many

critics out there who roll their eyes

when hearing about this widely quoted

and sometimes misunderstood

research of Albert Mehrabian, a UCLA

professor, that shows the significance

of non-verbal signs in

communications.

Trainers and Image consultants

often misuse this data to indicate that

their client’s appearance overpowers

their actual words. The truth is that the

focus of this study was on some very

specific areas of communication and

not an accurate reflection of real-world

conditions. However, if you only have

seven seconds to make an excellent

first impression, there is not much left

other than your appearance and your

body language – the way you look.

You simply cannot use a lot of your

verbal excellence if you have only

seven seconds to impress.

It’s not fair to be judged on

first impressions alone!

Well, you might be right. But, we

all do it. Everyone makes judgments

about a person’s character, credibility,

intelligence, or income level based on

first impressions alone.

And, complicating matters is the

fact that confirmation bias makes sure

that the other person is likely to ignore

any signs that go against their first

impression.

However, they are extremely

sensitive to signs or indicators that

support their initial take on the type of

person you are.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR IMAGE TELLS THE WORLD?

A

B

C


http://www.psych.ucla.edu/faculty/faculty_page?id=181&area=8




Dress to impress

So, in a situation where you have only one chance to quickly impress with another person – it could be an interviewer,

your new boss, a recent addition to your team, or a potential client – it is obviously important to ensure that you create the best

first impression, whether in the real or the digital world. Before you ever utter a word, the other person is going to look at your

clothes and immediately decide whether you dressed appropriately for this occasion. If you show up looking like you got

dressed in the dark, (for example, a disheveled tie for men) chances are that the other person is going to apply that perception

elsewhere. Perhaps they assume that you have a sloppy working style, that paying attention to details is not your strong suit.

Our appearance is a form of nonverbal communication, and one that speaks very loudly.

The way you present yourself

Even before you get a chance to shake hands, the way you present yourself can tell the other person a lot about you. Are

you a leader or a follower? Are you going to be someone who stands up assertively and has his or her shoulders back or do

you shrivel up and try to hide from sight? When applying for management positions, this is going to matter. The interviewer

may see you as someone who might avoid conflict if you seem shy or reluctant to stand out during the interview.

It’s not only about you

Our appearance reflects directly what level of care or time we spent on our very own valuable assets. Do we rush through

our morning routines at the expense of our hair or makeup, or clothes? These important steps taken to ensure our best

possible foot forward before we leave the home directly benefit the entire corporation in which we work. The reputation of

fellow employees depends on the looks of a company, and each and every one of the employees must provide their fellow

employees or clients with the best possible outward experience you can obtain. A company knows that their employees are a

representation of the company itself, and they want your first impression with clients, coworkers, bosses, supporters, etc. to

leave everyone with the best possible perception of you as an individual and an employee.

“Your professional image is so much more than your appearance.”

What you do and say contributes to

the impression you make either.

However, if you mess up with your

appearance first, it will be harder for

you to be perceived as professional

based on your behavior or

communication skills afterwards.

Therefore, appearance first!

YOUR IMAGE IS THE FIRST THING IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE TO OTHERS.


Tips to make a powerful first impression Tips to make a powerful first impression Tips to make a powerful first impression

1Bad breath Remember that

food or drinks can lead to bad

breath quickly. To ensure that

you will not have this problem,

brush your teeth before an

important interview or meeting.

Alternatively, you want to make

sure to have breath-fresheners

with you at all times if brushing

your teeth beforehand is not an

option.

2Check your teeth If you are

having a lunch meeting or

interview after lunch, make sure

that you check your teeth

afterwards. It can be next to

impossible to take someone

seriously if he or she has food

stuck in his or her teeth.

3Dirty shoes There are too

many people who ignore their

shoes, assuming that just

wearing nice shoes that match

your outfit is enough. Remember

that unpolished or scuffed shoes

detract from your professional

appearance. If you know that

you have a meeting coming up,

there is no excuse for messy

footwear.

4Professional Pen Asking for

a pen during an interview or

meeting looks unprepared and

unprofessional. However, it may

be even worse if you bring your

own pen that looks as though it

belongs to a 10-year old. Bring a

pen that has a simple finish and

writes in black or blue ink.

5Brief, attaché, laptop case Remember that these

carry cases also matter when it

comes to your professional

appearance, both inside and

out. You do not want to open up

a case and reveal a completely

disorganized mess of chewing

gum wrappers, business cards,

old sticky notes, and scattered

papers.

6Coffee, beverage stains It would appear that coffee and tea

stains have an uncanny knack

for targeting the most visible

spots on your dress, suit, or tie.

Use a napkin underneath your

spoon or cup to prevent any

accidents.

7Hair Remember that hair

frames the face. With the right

hairstyle for your facial features,

you are going to need minimal

makeup because you are

already accentuating your strong

suits.

8The finer details People

are going to notice the smaller

details, such as your shirt not

being pressed or your nail

polish peeling. There is no

reason not to have your dress

shirts, skirts, and suits dry-

cleaned before an important

interview.

9Piercings & Tattoos While

you may claim that it is a “part of

who you are” when going in for a

professional interview or work,

leave the piercings at home. If

you have any tattoos, cover

them up.

The Importance of

Appearance in the Workplace IAppearance is important from

the job interview to every day at

the office. Image is paramount in

the workplace; before employers

discover your merits, they have

already made a judgment based

on your physical presentation.

Appearance is not just about

your clothing either; it also

relates to your complexion,

nails, hair, tone of voice, the way

you walk, and even your facial

expressions.

Before you ever reach forward

to shake the hand of the person

you are meeting with, they are

forming some sort of opinion

about you. Now, it is true that

e.g. your interview may be able

to persuade them otherwise, but

you would have to excel at

interviewing and would already

be working against a certain

prejudice. These 100

suggestions are going to help

you with making the right first

impression. Some of these are

subtle, while others are

straightforward.

“People don’t notice when you do these things. But, they do

notice when you don’t.”


100

Appearance alone will not determine your success, but it plays a major contributing role. Your appearance cannot only land

you a job, but it can determine your longevity with a company. This doesn’t mean you have to be beautiful to get or keep a job.

But well, in fact it is helpful when people perceive you as beautiful. Therefore you have to make sure that you look the part. If

you don’t look as though you care about your appearance, it can undermine people’s trust in you. I know, we have all heard

the saying “don’t read a book by its cover”. And yes, to some degree we should not pre-judge someone by the way they

look. But, unfortunately that’s not how business and life works ... at least most of the time.


10Watch Make sure that you wear a

conservative watch, nothing with too many

colors or too much “bling”.

11Facial hair Facial hair is not a problem as long

as you keep it perfectly groomed.

12Hair Hair should be neat and groomed – all the

time. Make sure you visit the barber at least once

a month.

13Tags & Stitching You might be surprised

to learn how many men leave the tags and the

extra stitching in their suit. Remove these

before you go in because they make you

appear less than professional and as though

you are unable to pay attention to details.

14Cologne Remember that you want your

cologne to entice, to tease. You do not want

your scent to linger in the office four hours after

you have left.

15Nails While a manicure is not expected for men,

you want your nails neat and relatively short.

There is no excuse for dirty, chewed fingernails

and people are going to notice.

16Jewelry Even though jewelry has become

somewhat accepted for male professionals,

remember that it must be minimal and

professional. Do not wear anything that draws

attention to it or serves as a distraction.

17Purse or Bag If you have a purse or bag to

carry items with you, remember that these

accessories have to be clean, in good shape,

and possibly match your shoes.

18Belt Belts are a man’s stand out piece. Replace

your belt immediately if it shows signs of wear.

Make sure that you have at least two quality belts,

one brown belt and one black belt.

19Suit and Shirt For a professional

interview, you cannot go wrong with a suit in a

dark color (black, dark gray, navy) and a plain

shirt (white, bright blue).

20Shirt sleeves Even in the summer you want

to wear long-sleeve dress shirts.

21Tie When looking for ties, try to avoid trends. A

classic silk tie is always going to remaining in style.

25Makeup You want to make

sure that your makeup is

conservative. The more

makeup you wear the less

professional (and the older)

you look. Avoid everything that

is overly colored, bright,

glittery or heavy.

26Perfume Remember that

some people are sensitive to

odor, be conservative in the

amount of perfume that you

use, it must be subtle enough

to hint without being

overpowering.

27Jewelry While you can use

jewelry to accentuate certain

features, keep it minimal. You want

to ensure that it does not serve as a

distraction.

28Purse If you are carrying a

purse into an interview, make

sure that you pick one that is

still in good shape, clean and

possibly matches your shoes.

29Skirts When opting for a suit

with a skirt, make sure that

you are aware of the hemline.

When standing, you want the

skirt to reach at least knee

length.

30Underneath your jacket Underneath your suit jacket, you

want to go with a conservative shell

or blouse.

31Shoes Make sure that any

shoes you wear are closed-

toe, in good shape and clean.

32Pantyhose Make sure that

your pantyhose do not have a

run in them. It is always good

to have an extra case with you

just to be sure.

33Accessories Especially if you

have a casual personal style,

accessories can play up your outfit.

Remain current by adding quality

pieces to classic outfits. Buy your

accessories together (bracelet,

necklace, earrings) to ensure that

you are organized when you get

dressed. Make sure that you do not

over-accessorize.

34High Heels A great pair of

heels is a powerful tool: it will

change your mood, your

posture, your attitude, your

image.

35Trashy nails Remove any

“bling” from your nails.

Furthermore, french

manicures look fake and are

rarely done well.

36Hair A high pony tail, a sparkly

glittery hair accessory, a side-braid,

a hair poof or an over-use of curling

iron. If you do anything of those –

stop it! It’s not professional.


How you are dressed not only affects

how other people perceive you, but

how you view yourself. If you look

the part, you act the part. You will

have more confidence, more respect

from co-workers, and make a strong

impression with clients, supporters,

and bosses. In addition, society’s

preoccupation with and marketing of

physical attractiveness reinforces the

assumption that being good-looking

pays bigger benefits than it actually

does. The undeniable truth is that

being good-looking is helpful

sometimes.

Many of these studies are summarized and

discussed in the 2011 book “Beauty Pays:

Why Attractive People Are More Successful”

written by Daniel Hamermesh, an economist

at the University of Texas in Austin. The

research reviewed by Hamermesh shows that

attractive people earn an average of 3 or 4%

more than people with below average looks.

Beautiful people are also hired sooner, get

promotions more quickly, are higher-ranking

in their companies, and get all kinds of extra

benefits. Because, it turns out that more

attractive people often bring more money to

their companies and therefore are more

valuable employees.

Several Studies show that more attractive people are, on average, wealthier and have higher-paying jobs than less attractive people.

2011

http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/beauty

http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/beauty

37Start Whitening if you are yellowing. We

always seem to notice if somebody has

discolored teeth. And, we always praise

people who have very white teeth, don’t we?

It’s the first thing your counterpart will notice,

when talking or smiling to him or her.

38Control your dandruff Dandruff might

not be painful or contagious. But, if you have

any flakes on your dark suit or black top, you

have to find out its roots and control them.

Start with buying a lint roller.

39Toss your pants Check all your pants today. Are

there any pairs with a broken hem at the backside?

Are they too long and you have walked the hem off?

Toss them or bring them to a tailor.

40Trim them Check your nose, eyes, neck. If

you see some hair in the mirror, others see

them as well. Buy a hair clipper today or visit

a barber. Yes, it’s true for women and men.

41Professional color Stop dyeing on your

own, get it professional done. Don’t use over-

the-counter products. It just doesn’t look very

natural.

42Check your back Most people know about the

importance of a mirror check before leaving the

house. However, most people also forget to check

their backside. Do you ever look at your backside in

the mirror?

43Don’t overuse hair products The only

thing worse than using no products at all is to

overuse them. But the look of crunchy hair is

one that’s better left in the 80’s and doesn’t

look professional at all. You can create shape

and definition while still maintaining a natural

appearance. Just use less!

44Thinning hair Baldness can start early and

you can be left with patchy growth or nothing

at all. That’s true for men and women. Don’t

ignore it. Try to slow down the process and

buy some products. Also, talk to a

dermatologist and cut them short.

45Stop overbranding There is nothing wrong with

being a label or brand lover, but discretion is the

name of the game. If there are any items in your

closet with big logos or brand advertisement, you

shouldn’t wear them at work.

46Ditch the backpack As soon as you

enter the professional job market you can

save your backpack for camping. Get e.g. a

leather messenger bag instead.

47Hide the underwear Does anyone see

your underwear? At the collar, at the waist,

underneath your fabric? That’s just wrong.

Make sure nobody does.

48Dress up Always dress up ... and not down. How

are the people who have climbed the ladder

dressed? Dress like they do – or even better.


49A weak handshake is a no-no It does not matter if you

are meeting with a man or a

woman, make eye contact,

smile, and then proceed to

deliver a firm handshake. You

do not have to crush someone’s

hand, but you want the

handshake to be firm. Make sure

to have palm-to-palm contact

and apply as much pressure as

the other person does. The

appropriate amount of pressure

is going to vary from person to

person.

50Invading personal space Some people have no concept

of personal space, if you are

meeting someone for the first

time, you do not want to get

right in their face or go in for a

hug. For many people this is

extremely uncomfortable.

51Crossing your arms When

you cross your arms when first

meeting someone, it makes you

look uncomfortable or defensive.

Make sure to gesture with your

hands; you will look engaging

and more enthusiastic.

52Lack of eye contact It is

perfectly natural to look away

from time to time when you are

talking. This means that you are

accessing different parts of the

brain. However, when the other

party is talking to you, you want

to make eye contact and appear

attentive. You need to treat eye

contact as a connection tool with

the other party.

53Not smiling at all If you do

not smile during a job interview

or when first meeting someone

you come across as unfriendly

or nervous. You do not need to

burst out with laughter, keep it

subtle.

54Smiling all the time Some

people tend to smile all the time.

You should always pay attention

to when you are smiling. Try to

match your facial expression to

your message.

55Do not hide your hands Many people hide their hands or

(worse yet) sit on them during an

initial conversation. Using your

hands makes you more

expressive.

56Read the mood Find out

what the person across from

you is feeling. If he or she is

casual, you can afford to be a

bit more casual while still being

courteous and professional. If

they are formal, you want to

remain formal as well.

57Having a seat If you want to

take a seat, it is a good idea to

ask first (to ensure you do not sit

somewhere that he or she

planned for themselves), or wait

to be told to take a seat. This

shows consideration and good

manners.

The Importance of

Behavior in the Workplace IWorkplace behavior and ethics

are crucial to your employment

and success. They are both

important aspects for a

company’s efforts to be

profitable and respected. Proper

behavior is as important as your

appearance, communication,

and skills. Every business in

every industry has certain

guidelines for the employees,

and they should be followed with

attentiveness. Behavior

generally includes attire,

interaction with colleagues,

language, how to handle

situations, etc.

There is a lot we can do to make

a good first impression.

Dressing nicely and

communicating properly with the

person we are meeting are just

a handful of options. However,

some other aspects play an

important role in how someone

is going to remember us. Some

of these suggestions may not be

applicable to someone you

randomly meet for the first time,

but when attending a meeting or

having a job interview, you will

be able to benefit from these

behavioral tips.



Although possessing the necessary skills is essential, a positive attitude can carry you a long way. There is an important

reason why work places have guidelines for behavior in the workplace – because it matters. If your conduct is less than

prototypical then it could not only hurt you, but the company. Poor conduct costs a company time, money, and resources.

Companies know that for a successful and productive working environment you must have good people-to-people

communication, attitude and behavior.

58Do not exaggerate Make sure that you

maintain a balance between a ‘stiff’ posture

and subtle movements. You do not want to

flail your arms around constantly. This is

perceived as distracting. The best way to gain

trust is by mirroring the behavior of the person

across from you. It shows non-verbal

agreement with the other person and

establishes a subconscious ‘connection’.

59Do your homework Before a job interview

or meeting someone for the first time, you want

to research information about the company or

the person you are meeting with. This is not

only going to make you appear prepared, but

instantly generates a positive first impression

with people you meet.

60Be on time Unless you have specific

instructions that go against it, you want to make

sure that you are 5 to 10 minutes early for a

meeting. This shows that you are both eager

and punctual. However, if you arrive too early, it

may be seen as inconsiderate and prove an

inconvenience for the person you are meeting

with. Remember that at no point it is ever

acceptable to be late. Regardless of what the

other person tells you afterwards, this is going

to make a negative first impression.

61Plan for possible delays Keeping in

mind with being on time, you want to make

sure that you give yourself ample time for

public transportation to get you where you

need to be or allow you to park your car. If

you are too early, you can look around,

prepare for the meeting, have a coffee or stay

in your car until it’s time for your meeting.

62Turn off all mobile devices Just as with

taking off in an airplane, a first impression

means that you turn off any cell phones,

pagers, or other devices that may disturb your

conversation. Most cellphones have a silent

button that you can easily use, but make sure it

does not vibrate and create a “silent” distraction.

63Do not drink, eat or smoke It is also not

acceptable to chew gum during an important

first meeting. Of course, it is all right to accept if

the third party offers you coffee, tea, or water

(or any other beverage) but you do not want to

take outside foods or drinks into a conversation.

Unless you are at a lunch meeting, saying “no

thank you” to snacks is always a good option,

mainly because you do not risk making

embarrassing mistakes or are called upon to

answer a question with your mouth full.

64Go home Are you often the last one who

leaves the office? There is something wrong,

isn’t it? Believe it or not, others think exactly

the same – there is something wrong with you

or your work ethics. Therefore, define your

exact work hours and no matter what – stick

with them.

65Shake hands first It is important to shake

hands in any setting, business meeting, job

interview or just to say thank you. But, the

person who extends his or her hand first has

the “power” in every setting.

67Play the game Your career is nothing else

than a game. Take any kind of sport you play or

watch and think about some game rules. You’ll

find immediately the analogy to your career.

Behave like it’s a game – because it is!


68Stand up straight Mom always told us

that posture is important, and she was right.

Always try to stand up straight. It creates a

sense of confidence and pride, and shows

everyone you are secure in the body you are.

69Introduce others Lucky you, if everyone

knows you. But don’t forget those who don’t

know each other. Introduce all people you

meet to each other.

70Spend some money Is it your assistants

birthday? Your co-worker is in the hospital? Your

client just re-ordered something? A lunch here or a gift

card there will not break your budget, but it shows

your loyalty. It’s a smart invest!

71Widen your stance When you stand with

your feet close together, you can seem unsure

of what you are saying. However, when you

widen your stance, relax your knees and center

your weight in your lower body, you look more

confident.

72Try a steeple At least, try it. Many lecturers,

politicians and executives use this hand

gesture when they are quite certain about a

point they are making. When you want to

project conviction and sincerity about a point,

it’s worth a try.

73Sit up straight Make sure that you sit up straight

and lean forward in your chair a bit. This projects

engagement and interest in the interaction. Mimicking

your body’s position to the person sitting across from

you shows agreement and admiration, but be careful

not to make it too obvious.

Negative behavior translates into our work, especially when it comes to teamwork. Our office interaction is one of the

biggest aspects affected by behavior. A person with consummate behavior has better relationships with colleagues, people

want to work with and for them, and therefore productivity is increased. The opposite is true for those who are unlikable in

the work place. Additionally, if it shows that your behavior is less than exemplary there is no incentive to offer you

advancement opportunities.

IF YOU DON’T TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE,SOMEONE ELSE WILL.

“Your behavior effects your success with the company because poor behavior on the field could potentially lead to a client taking their business elsewhere.”

Furthermore, if your conduct doesn’t

meet the standard of the company

after verbal and written warnings, you

could ultimately be fired.

74Relax your voice The

quality of your voice can be

a deciding factor. People

with higher-pitched voices

are judged to be less

empathic, less powerful and

more nervous.

75Speak clearly Scientific

evidence supports the idea

that we see people who

speak clearly in a very

favorable way. Those who

speak clearly are seen as

more trustworthy, smarter,

and more attractive.

76Do not fill silence with chitter chatter If you are

uncomfortable with silence,

chances are that you might

blurt out information you

should not or appear less

than professional. If

something is unclear, answer

with a question.

77Focus on what you say Speak at a moderate

pace and annunciate

clearly. You want to make

sure to vary your voice

intonation. Coming off as

monotone is not good and

makes you appear “boring”.

78Speak the language If you are interviewing for job

that requires a great deal of

technical expertise, slang

and jargon is acceptable.

However, if you are using

slang and jargon that do not

apply to the person

interviewing you, this is

unacceptable.

79Avoid filler words Filler words such as “like” or

“uuuum” have no place in

making a good first

impression. People use them

to fill gaps in the

conversation, but they make

a person sound

unprofessional and

unpolished. A better

alternative is to be mindful of

what you are saying instead

of trying to think ahead of the

conversation or anticipate a

question. Practice with a

friend if you can to eliminate

these words from your

speech.

80A happy, friendly face Some people aim for a fake

smile, this is never going to

seem convincing because

the wrinkle lines around the

corners of your mouth and

sides of your eyes indicate

a genuine, natural smile.

Just try to be natural – and

friendly.

81Easily identifiable facial expressions The

facial expressions that

people are able to identify

easily are surprise, joy,

sadness, fear, contempt,

disgust and anger. Make

sure you control those

expressions very well.

82Expressionless Remember that someone

who is nervous or tense

often has an expressionless

face. This means that if you

know you are meeting

someone for the first time,

you want to make sure to

practice smiling a few times

and “shaking” off your scared

face. This is going to help

you convey your facial

expressions even when

nervous.

The Importance of

Communication in the Workplace I

After the first seven seconds of

meeting you, that person you have

never met before now has an opinion

of you. This means someone might

have made up his or her mind about

you before you ever utter a word.

When it comes to communication,

most people believe that the words we

say are what truly matters. And they

are right. Of course. But, it’s not only

about “what” you say, it’s also about

“how” you say it.

When properly used, communication

can be your key to greater success. It

can help you develop positive

business relationships, influence and

motivate the people who report to you,

improve productivity, bond with

members of your team, and present

your ideas with more impact.

Knowing that, we are going to delve

into the communication aspect of

making a good first impression with

someone you have never met before.



83Use the person’s name There is nothing

people love hearing more than their own

name. You can make a conversation more

personable by reiterating the person’s name

back to them a number of times. It shows that

the other person was important enough for

you to memorize their name and you were

paying attention during initial introductions.

However, do not use his or her name too

often. Using a name too often when just

meeting someone comes off as insincere.

84Is there more than one person you are talking to? If you have more than one person

you are talking to in a business setting or job

interview, make sure that you briefly address both

(or more) with your gaze. While you want to make

sure that you address everyone, ultimately you

return your attention to the person asking you a

question.

85Don’t rub or touch your nose This has

long been considered one of the traditional

“tells” that someone is not speaking the truth.

86Don’t rub your neck or head Even if

you have an itch or a cramp, remember that

these behaviors are associated with

disinterest or indecisiveness.

87Don’t shake your legs repeatedly This

not only works as a distraction, but also signals

that you are not comfortable with your current

surroundings.

88Don’t slouch in your seat If you are

slouching, you are suggesting that you are

either unprepared and want to get out of there,

or disinterested in the conversation.

86Don’t cross your arms across your chest This makes you appear disengaged

and unfriendly. Experts consider this a

“closed” posture.

90Show interest Make sure to keep an

interested expression. Provide positive gestures

in moderation and nod occasionally. You do not

want to come off as a bubblehead.

91Avoid seeming judgmental You don’t

always have to like them or agree with their

ideas, values, or opinions. However you do

need to set aside your own judgment criticism

in order to fully understand a person.

92Observe them Use public places, such as

a shopping mall, bus, train, restaurant or even

TV shows. Try to “mute” the sound.

Observing how others use body language can

teach you how to better receive and use

nonverbal signals when talking with others.

93Deliver bad news in person Written

communication channels (e.g. e-mail) don’t allow

you to soften difficult messages with nonverbal

cues, and they don’t allow you to deal

immediately with intense emotion.

94I’m not joking! Telling inappropriate jokes

makes people uncomfortable.

Communication is sharing information and ideas between individuals or groups to reach a common understanding. With so

many personalities, ideas, and an overload of information in the workplace, effective communication is a challenge for business

owners, CEOs, managers, and general employees. Effective communication is a business tool and essential employee

attribute. A company knows that in order for its objectives to meet, communication is the key to success. Communication links

and facilitates all aspects of a company. When all members of a team, department, and workplace communicate effectively

together then productivity increases, a better workplace environment is created, and objectives are met more efficiently.

Communication is not only important in the workplace but for the company when dealing with partners, clients, vendors, etc.

The way you communicate sets a precedent for the company, therefore your communication needs to be clear, persuasive,

and concise. If you can learn to openly and effectively communicate, you will set yourself apart and opportunities will come

your way more frequently. Fortunately, effective communication is a skill that can be learned. Follow these tips, and you will

be communicating your way to success in no time.


95Don’t cry Tears do not communicate

leadership potential, because you have to be

able to control your emotions.

96Don’t swear It’s generally considered to be

unprofessional of any person in the workplace,

but especially leaders.

97Don’t flirt Yes, some people believe flirting can be

a currency in the office. But, flirting is just a subtle

suggestion of the possibility of something sexual

occurring between two individuals. And this can easily

be taken the wrong way.

98Giggling too much Rumors say, this is

especially true to women. Appropriate laughter

is a major indicator of gravitas.

99Think global Cross-cultural communication

is important. Even if an American business

person understands if you mention, that a

certain negotiation “was a home run”, an Asian

or European person might have no idea what

you are talking about. Speak internationally!

100Listen carefully Communication is a two-way

highway, and listening can often be more important

than speaking in a workplace conversation.

PROJECTING A POWERFUL IMAGE DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN. IT HAS TO BE CULTIVATED.

The Consequences of an

unprofessional imprint at work

1. Disrespect from othersFellow co-workers or your boss might think you are clueless, or might start joking about your inappropriate attire or behavior. Is it right? No. Is it fair? No. Is it professional? No. Can it happen? Yes.

2. Distraction from your workIf others are starring at you because of your weird appearance or your inappropriate behavior, they are paying less attention to your work, your projects, your results.

3. Loosing ClientsIf you meet with clients and dress inappropriate or behave weird this might result in less opportunities and sales. Clients want to work with professional, trustworthy and reliable people, they might take their business elsewhere.

4. Missing OpportunitiesThe job you didn’t get, even if you performed a fantastic interview. The promotion you didn’t get, even if you would have been the best person for the position. The boost in pay you didn’t get, even if you deserved it. Did you ever consider it has something to do with your appearance? Maybe, they just thought you wouldn’t represent them visually as required for that specific position.

5. Sexual HarassmentGreat if you feel confident about your body, but you shouldn’t show too much of it at work. Be aware that this kind of attention grabbing appearance can easily create an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation for you.

6. Becoming a lonerC’mon! It’s a team sport. Like it or not, every corporate environment is nothing else like a sports game. You’ll find a referee, a coach, and team members. You are one of them! Make sure you don’t become a loner, just because you don’t take care of yourself.

How things are seen in the corporate world

At this point you are probably aware that we are judged

daily, and taking proper steps to ensure a great verdict is

essential in your professional and social life. Improving your

appearance and constantly evaluating your own behavior can

have a drastic effect on your social life. Because your

outward appearance is directly related to what people infer

from you. So, maybe you should consider to finally lose some

weight, to toss those ill-fitting clothes, to use some makeup,

to get well-dressed, to hire a professional image consultant,

and to take the time to do your best with what you’ve got. We

are all worth it. You are worth it!

Employees who don't visually represent the company

are at risk for being passed over when it comes to

promotions. As an employee, if your desire is to advance

your career, having a clear understanding of how you are

perceived, is critical. But, it’s not only about you. It’s also

about your clients, your employer, your boss, your team

members. You represent not only yourself, you represent all

of them.

In every corporation and in all industries your

appearance directly affects the entire company. We are

representing, not only ourselves, but the entire company.

Think of it as each employee is like an ambassador. Does

your company life a professional, elaborated, planned, clean

and a well-fitted business strategy, or is your company

specializing in dishevelment, mismatched, spotted, frumpy or

too lumpy business standards? Who is going to take their

business to such an enterprise? Is it you?

Valuable clients and revenues may fly out the window

only because someone on the team made a terrible or less

than good first impression. The slightest disheveled look can

cost the entire team these highly valued clients. A domino

effect can be a positive lucrative one with the correct

equation, but if one piece of the formula is incorrect the

domino effect can go in a bad direction for yourself, your

career, your team, your company.


So, do you need an Image

Consultant?

At this point, you probably also

already heard the adage “dress for the

job you want, not the job you have.”

One of the best ways to improve the

overall appearance that you present

on a daily basis is by hiring an image

consultant to overhaul your entire

image. When people hear the term

“image consultant”, it often conjures

up images of a specialist who comes

to your home or place of business and

makes sure that you look your best,

that your wardrobe matches the image

that you are trying to present to

others.

But, it’s not just selecting a

wardrobe; it is about mentoring,

guiding, coaching, and educating

people through the science and art of

image management. While an image

consultant certainly addresses fashion

as well, it goes far beyond that. It is

about communicating in a way that

presents your message in an

articulate and professional manner; it

is about maintaining a professional

image at all times. An image

consultant empowers clients to project

the confidence and competence

needed in order to make an

appropriate and authentic appearance

for any professional, social, or

personal situation.

Can you afford it?

This is the first thing that people

wonder about when they hear the

term image consultant, “can I afford to

hire someone to work on my image?”

Even though it is not polite to answer

a question with a question, it suits this

particular issue: can you afford not to?

Especially at a time that increased

competition on the job market has

become commonplace, you cannot

have those first seven seconds of a

first impression (which have been

meticulously analyzed in a study

published by New York University) be

anything less than professional and

direct. Appearance is the first thing

that people notice, and with improved

appearance comes improved

behavior and communication (what

we already called the “ABC of a

professional imprint” – Appearance,

Behavior, and Communication).

Simply put, you look better – you

feel better and present yourself as

such. This is not about fashion, this is

about image – what image am I

sending out into the world?

You should not rely on merit

alone

Another reservation that people

have is “I should be judged on my

work, what I do for the company

should matter more than how I dress

or act.” Even though the human

resources department may look for

qualified personnel on paper,

especially promoting from within often

hinges on appearance and image just

as much. It is important that you take

an active approach in advancing your

professional career. People cannot sit

back and expect things to be handed

to them anymore, the competition is

too great. Just put yourself in the

recruiter’s mindset for a moment. If

you have two qualified candidates that

have similar experience levels but one

requires a bit more refinement before

he or she has a professional attitude

whereas the other makes a far better

first impression – who do you think is

going to receive the job offer?


YOU IMAGE IS NOT WHAT PEOPLE TELL YOU ABOUT YOU.IT’s WHAT THEY SAY BEHIND YOUR BACK.







Do I loose my sense of self?

Some people feel that they may lose their personal

sense of self if they hire an image consultant. However,

you have to keep in mind that anything an image

consultant presents to you is advice, not a direct order. A

professional image consultant will sit down with you, talk

about what motivates you, what your aspirations are, what

your experiences are. They will provide advice based on

that. They are not going to make you over into something

you are not; they are going to help you improve on what

you are already doing. They are going to emphasize the

positives instead of trying to make you into something that

you are not.

Everyone can benefit

Another benefit of working with an image consultant is

that anyone can benefit. It does not matter if you are fresh

out of college, recently unemployed, or have worked with

the same company for a decade, anyone can benefit from

a few consultations. Recent college graduates may balk at

the notion of spending money in addition to their college

loans, but remember that few companies are hiring and the

competition is fiercer than ever before. Keep in mind that

for many people an image consultant is not necessarily an

expense, but it is an investment that can help you stand out

from all the other people currently on the market.


What customers

have to say ...

“Sylvie is simply amazing. She has helped me mold and shape myself, my brand, and my career.”IRA B., HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, NEW YORK.

“Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with you. The last days have opened my eyes to a whole new world.”KIMBERLY H., REALTOR NEW YORK

Absolutely fantastic! I'm currently making a career transition and really need to put my best self forward. The whole experience with Sylvie was amazing and I found working with her excellent, straightforward and right to the point. Her professionalism is outstanding and she is the most organized professional I’ve yet to meet in this industry. Thank you.JASON W., JOB SEEKING

“Sylvie is quick to respond, professional, and knows the industry. Her attention to details is remarkable.”EVE M., EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT RETAIL, NEW YORK

For father's day, I gifted my husband (who needed new suits) a consultation with Sylvie Di Giusto. She helped guide us through the entire process – from identifying his current style preferences, to picking a direction between bespoke and made to measure, finding and recommending an appropriate tailor for our needs/budget, guiding us with style decisions commensurate with his body type, industry, and appropriate trends, selecting material – basically everything. It was an awesome investment.BROOKE W., NEW YORK

“As an entrepreneur with many diverse interests, working with Sylvie enabled me to bring all of my passions and goals into one cohesive, impactful brand and look.”ANNA F., ONLINE ENTREPRENEUR, NEW YORK

“I’m basically not able to walk through my neighborhood without thinking about what you had to say about the ‘center of lycra’. It was fun and entertaining. Btw, I threw away all my Crocs. Sigh.””SEEDA V., STAY-AT-HOME MOM, NEW YORK

“I was very fortunate to work with Sylvie di Giusto. She is a focused and dedicated professional who is passionate about her work. She’s always to the point, full of ideas and doesn’t stop until the job is done.”JULIA K., CROSS CULTURAL TRAINING CONSULTANT, NEW YORK

“Sylvie quickly helped the students to understand that they have to be consistent in how they project

themselves to others in person, on paper, and via the web. ”CARLA B., DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING, NEW YORK

“By working with Sylvie I learned that only a great idea is not good enough. She showed me that action and commitment are also necessary to succeed. It has been only few months now, but I feel Sylvie is a mentor and as an inspiration for people who want to start a new business or career.”MARTHA N., LIFE COACH, NEW YORK

“It was a great experience with Sylvie: great tour and the advices I truly going to use! Thank you so much for everything!”LAURA A., BARCELONA

“Sylvie di Giusto has a profound understanding of an organization’s business objectives, is conceptually excellent, executes with extreme perfection, and demonstrates continuously extraordinary dedication and commitment.”MATTHIAS B., EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER

RETAIL & TOURISM GROUP, GERMANY

“At her events Sylvie establishes a productive working atmosphere while using modern and varied techniques. Great content, put in a nutshell and easy to understand. I absolutely recommend her without any reservations.”EMANUEL S., LABOR DIRECTOR, RETAIL, GERMANY

Ultimately, you decide whether you believe that an image consultant can help you. Would you want to sit back years from

now and think about how those few short hours could have made a difference, could have helped you stand out and achieve

the career that you were hoping for? It is your career, it is your image, and you decide whether you want to make the most

out of it or not.

Sincerely yours,

YOU HAVE SECONDSTOGETHER, WE WILL MAKE THEM COUNT!


Copyright © 2013 by Sylvie di Giusto, Executive Image Consulting

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write or e-mail to the publisher at the address below.

Executive Image ConsultingSylvie di Giusto8 Spruce StreetNew York, NY 10038United States

[email protected]

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Sylvie with Oscar de la Renta, Tim Gunn, Diane von Furstenberg, Jennifer Hudson,

Manolo Blahnik, Kenneth Cole, Stacey London, Cuba Gooding Jr.,

Christian Siriano, Marylou Luther, Michelle Smith, Rebecca Minkoff,

Dmitry Sholokhov, Iris Apfel, Ilona Royce Smithkin, Patricia Field

People Packaging is what I do ...Sylvie di Giusto, Executive Image Consulting, New York

Sylvie di Giusto, Personal Branding Strategist and Image Expert, has

more than twenty years of corporate experience, educating and inspiring

thousands of clients across Europe and around the world. She has long

been fascinated by the power of image and the way people can use their

personal brand to positively influence their own career. Having spent

years observing, supporting and influencing people’s career paths, Sylvie

has witnessed how important the role of a professional image is in setting

a person apart from the competition and projecting his or her unique

selling points. As an experienced consultant, a speaker retained by

companies, an effective trainer, and an enthusiastic workshop leader,

Sylvie is familiar with the typical challenges that professionals face in

their workplace. She has a proven track record in corporate and

individual counseling, using a results-orientated approach. Ultimately, her

ability to empower people to influence the success of their own career

and her passion for fashion has led to her launching Executive Image

Consulting, based in New York City. It is here that she uses her extensive

corporate expertise to help clients project a powerful visual image of

themselves to the outside world.

Throughout her career, Sylvie has held senior positions, mainly within

Human Resources, for organizations ranging from 10 to 100,000

employees. Former companies and clients include: BMW, BASF, Bayer,

Henkel, McKinsey, and Thomas Cook. She has become a recognized

member of the international business community because she worked

with every strata of management from CEOs to young executives within

the finance, automotive, pharmaceutical, retail, and tourism industries.

Living abroad gave Sylvie the opportunity to gain further qualifications in

her field from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and from

the Academy of Professional Image and the International Academy of

Image and Style in Australia. She is an active member of the Association

for International Image Consultants, the National Speakers

Association and the National Association of Professional Women. Within

the United States Sylvie is represented by the speakers bureau Global

Top Speakers as well as in Europe by 5 Sterne Team.

Connect with me here:

Book an appointment with me here:

www.executive-image-consulting.com

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http://www.fitnyc.edu/

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100 ways to make a powerful first impression

Documents

short seconds

level of sophistication

level of success

education level

economic level

professional imprint

total look

religious background