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An outdated first impression could lead to losing lucrative connections and opportunities before you even get to nurture them, like the loss of a lead that could’ve been a new client, a collaborator, or a great referral source.
I’m a personal brand and communication consultant who’s worked with 6, 7, and 8-figure business owners as well as many C-Suite leaders. I charge $10,000 to help improve first impressions in professional and personal contexts.
The No. 1 personal brand-related challenge I see from my clients is that their level of expertise, established position in the market, and personality are not being communicated through their digital and in-person first impressions.
What’s the fix?
My solution is to authentically customize first impressions to show at a glance that you’re credible, modern, and approachable. We can also craft our image and communication to convey a specific set of signals about us and what we offer. If our audience isn’t somehow intrigued to take the next step, our experience, credentials, and good vibes can’t help us.
Authentic yet strategic self-expression creates the relationships and opportunities we want.
Information is communicated through movement, posture, facial expressions, vocal tone, language, clothing, grooming, and more. Conscious — and subconscious — opinions related to confidence, energy, credibility, and personality are formed upon meeting someone.
Here’s what an outdated first impression might look like
A first impression is outdated when one is perceived in a way that’s significantly different from the way they want to be. This could be a professional whose ability is cutting-edge, yet their digital first impression doesn’t read as modern (via their profile photo, website style, LinkedIn profile, or live interaction).
Mismatched messages are obstacles that most entrepreneurs don’t even know they have. It’s commonly understood that résumés and job skills need updating, yet it’s rare for personal image and communication elements to be at the top of the to-do list.
When I work with my clients, we consider their personal brand and communication on multiple levels. Here’s what you can do to propel yourself toward a clearer and more confident first impression.
1. Connect your authentic self-expression to the core of your personal brand
If you’ve ever missed out on opportunities despite being qualified, your magnetism might be too far under the radar. Choose how you want to be seen and want to see yourself for the phase you’re entering.
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The essential step is to discover or lean into your natural communication style, even if it’s different from the style that’s been most habitual for you. It will activate your authentic charisma and your ability to connect with others most easily on an interpersonal level.
This is your starting point for upgrading your style of speaking, negotiating, selling, and socializing. Information about your authentic self-expression also guides the design of your core digital assets, such as photos, casual on-camera presence, and media appearances.
To see if you’ve got a gap between what you want to project and what you’re projecting, consider each of the relevant items below and ask yourself these two questions about each of them:
Your title and biosYour photos and videos (professionally produced or DIY)Media guest appearances or host appearancesClothing and groomingWebsites/landing pages/social profilesIn-person or virtual small talkSales callsTeam meetingsInterviewsIs my true personality, as I see it, being accurately represented?Am I coming across as credible, approachable, confident, and modern?
The simple articulation of the transformation you want is an important first step and a springboard.
2. Update your visual identity
Doing an intentional DIY or professional non-AI photo shoot can be a safe place to try to hit the next level of your true self-expression. It needs to be non-AI because the experience of putting it together and moving through it is more valuable than the shots themselves, and it builds credibility.
Get into an optimal state pre-shoot to be in your element and to foster naturally confident body language. Some of my clients do this by moving to their favorite song. I like to sing a showtune or two. Others do this with a few push-ups or by meditating for five minutes.
Create two or three casual power looks to wear that feature colors and cuts that not only flatter but feed into the feeling and strategic communication you’re trying to create. Is there a playful undertone? A witty intellectual one? A modern version of business dress is highly versatile and can be worn in profile pictures, to key meetings, and to social events.
3. Connection style
Create a DIY natural speaking style showpiece. This could be an appearance on a podcast or a short video that demonstrates your expertise or opinion. Post this mindfully to your social media platform of choice or website.
The video’s purpose is to drive a connection that leads to concrete opportunities because your ideal people will relate to your speaking style and message. It’s distinctive, conversational, and unscripted. This combination of movement, voice, look, and message indicates leadership and positioning.
Think about your natural conversation style when you meet people casually. When have you made quick connections and friendships? What do these instances have in common? Did you connect with humour? Did you start with a compliment or a smile and a question?
This digital asset can powerfully introduce you and drive someone’s interest in collaborating with or hiring you.
There’s a case to be made for being bold
This isn’t the time to blend in, use gimmicks, or force yourself into a mold that doesn’t suit you.
Standing out in our digital and IRL world means that we can powerfully connect with others in a flash, even if they’re meeting us in a photo or pre-recorded clip. Captivating first impressions give you options and star power when built upon your authentic self-expression and a smart set of strategic messages.
Imagine feeling proud and maybe even excited about the way you present yourself to the world, no matter the situation. This feels good and fuels your leadership presence.
You can become a market leader, although others have more years of experience and more traditional credentials. If you’re seasoned, maybe it’s time to declare the position in the market that you deserve.
Zayna Rose is a personal brand and communications consultant who helps business leaders and aspiring leaders generate more connections, sales, and star power through personal expression, media performance, and leadership positioning.
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