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Five Steps To A Brilliant First Impression
1. Be well groomed
Good grooming is an indicator of healthy self-esteem. I’m not talking about spending hundreds on avant-garde spa treatments, but a neat manicure, styled hair and healthy looking skin are modern grooming essentials.
Have a Salon treatment once a month, then keep up the good work at home. Think this is a waste of money? Time to upgrade!
2. Stand tall
Make sure your body is speaking your language. Think about your posture: do you want to be seen as a slouch, or would you rather reflect your confident, positive side? Poor posture not only creates a negative, weak impression, it also gives the illusion of piling on the pounds, and the years.
Be body aware. Keep practising. Book an appointment with a Pilates or Alexander Technique specialist. Straighten up and fly right.
3. Smell divine
You’ve spent hours and pounds on how you look. Don’t spoil the effect by neglecting that most alluring of the senses: smell. Make sure your personal scent is always wonderful. Choose a fragrance in keeping with your personality or mood, and wear it always, not just on special occasions.
A word of caution: too much scent is overpowering, and is as bad, if not worse than no scent at all. Not sure if you’re getting the balance right? Ask a trusted friend.
4. Go for colour
Are you feeling blue, or would you rather paint the town red? I’m sure I don’t need to lecture you here on the psychology of colour. The colours we choose to wear speak volumes about our mood, state of mind and level of self-esteem. Spend 5 minutes writing down your emotional responses to every colour of the rainbow.
Consider the messages you are sending if you constantly play it safe in black and grey. Not sure which colours suit you? In an Image assessment, I always include advice on your most flattering shades.
5. Look the part
Plan your outfits in advance. Wait till the last minute, and you’ll be stressed, hot under the collar, with all the correct underwear in the dirty washing basket. Remember that clothes cover up to 90% of your body. You can have total control of how that 90% looks.
Choose gorgeous, comfortable clothes, and you’ll look and feel more confident and in control. Consider what’s appropriate for the occasion, and dress accordingly. Never make do and have a “slob day.” From now on, you value yourself full time. Show it.
Whoever said, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” was certainly right. The good news is that with some thought, care and self-belief, you can ensure you make a fabulous impression, first time, every time.
