First Impressions Can Pay Off Big...Or Not At All
I was walking through the parking lot at the local Target when I noticed something, or rather someone. Actually it was two someones. But before I go into this, I want to make it clear that I will do my best not to sound snobbish or elitist-like. It's just that sometimes, due to inept articulation skills, I just have to say it as I see it.
OK. The first person I saw was a young man, probably late teens, early 20's. He wore an over sized, red sports jersey, with jean shorts (over sized, as well) hanging down by his ankles that allowed for quick flashes of his white underwear (I guess that's why they call them "briefs"), shiny new white sneakers, and lots of "bling." He was talking to someone on his cell phone, speaking really fast, and using lots of curse words.
The second person was standing about 10 feet away from this first person. This young looking guy was about 6 foot tall, bald head, wearing a white button down with cuffs folded up once, beige linen pants, and sandals. He was waiting at the crosswalk for his ride to pick him up. As I recall it was one of those hideous 2006/7 brand spanking new Cadillacs. Ugly, but a nice car to have, nonetheless. I remember him smiling and shaking his head at the first guy.
What image are each of these guys trying to project to others? Is it important how we look to others? Or is it more important that we have skills that others desire that we can bring to the table. I think in the business world appearance and attitude is important, not only for creating business relationships, but also for keeping them. I think it is just as important in the interpersonal world, as well. And word can get out fast in regards to what kind of person you are. But I guess that's my point of this thought. There is a connection between who you are, what you believe in, how you dress and act in public, and how others react to you. If I were a person looking to hire someone for my company and I had to choose between the two, I would easily say that the person who drove away in the Cadillac would have a better shot at landing the position.
Now, I realize that the matter of appropriate appearance in business is relevant to the kind of job one is applying for. Or is it? To me, appearance also encompasses attitude and behavior; a reflection of who you are and what you believe in. Perhaps it doesn't matter what kind of business it is. It could be a bank, a school, a music production company, or an internet based business. Would any employer hire someone who cusses loudly in public? How could a person be taken seriously? Why would I want my business being represented by someone with no social etiquette?
What I'm going to tell you next may be painful, but it's the truth. If you want people to take you seriously, then you must look like you're a serious person. Serious about life and your future. It doesn't mean going to Armani and buying the most expensive suit. It means being aware that others will react to how you present yourself. If you carry yourself with shoulders back, eyes forward, and a big welcoming smile, then people may just want to get to know you. There is opportunity for meaningful connections that can benefit you and the person that just met you. If you slouch, wear clothes that don't fit properly, and have a grimace, then why would someone want to get to know you? People tend to look for others who can add value to their lives, not ones that may take away value or bring them down.
Two of my closest buddies risked much of what they had in order to acquire the things they always wanted based on a life of passive income. They each took on the liability of having expensive cars, buying expensive designer clothing, and residing in the most expensive part of town. They did all of this without a job. They adopted these images, incorporated it into who they are, invested in the opportunities associated with them, and believed in what they could offer others. Others saw them, believed in who they are, and formed meaningful relationships with them (business-wise). It paid off for them. They now hold dozens of real estate contracts and operate several businesses. They were able to attract the right people to fulfill their needs because they were able to make great first impressions.
To be fair, a person's appearance isn't all that matters...once you get to know them. That first guy may be a scholastic genius with incredible business skills and a large wallet for donating to charities. And that second guy could be a deranged serial killer. What do I know? I just rely on what I know about people. And what I've learned is that the ones who are willing to put the effort into projecting who they are now and who they want to be are the ones I'd like to have in my life. They would probably add value and opportunities in my life. And adds to my personal growth.
-RY
OK. The first person I saw was a young man, probably late teens, early 20's. He wore an over sized, red sports jersey, with jean shorts (over sized, as well) hanging down by his ankles that allowed for quick flashes of his white underwear (I guess that's why they call them "briefs"), shiny new white sneakers, and lots of "bling." He was talking to someone on his cell phone, speaking really fast, and using lots of curse words.
The second person was standing about 10 feet away from this first person. This young looking guy was about 6 foot tall, bald head, wearing a white button down with cuffs folded up once, beige linen pants, and sandals. He was waiting at the crosswalk for his ride to pick him up. As I recall it was one of those hideous 2006/7 brand spanking new Cadillacs. Ugly, but a nice car to have, nonetheless. I remember him smiling and shaking his head at the first guy.
What image are each of these guys trying to project to others? Is it important how we look to others? Or is it more important that we have skills that others desire that we can bring to the table. I think in the business world appearance and attitude is important, not only for creating business relationships, but also for keeping them. I think it is just as important in the interpersonal world, as well. And word can get out fast in regards to what kind of person you are. But I guess that's my point of this thought. There is a connection between who you are, what you believe in, how you dress and act in public, and how others react to you. If I were a person looking to hire someone for my company and I had to choose between the two, I would easily say that the person who drove away in the Cadillac would have a better shot at landing the position.
Now, I realize that the matter of appropriate appearance in business is relevant to the kind of job one is applying for. Or is it? To me, appearance also encompasses attitude and behavior; a reflection of who you are and what you believe in. Perhaps it doesn't matter what kind of business it is. It could be a bank, a school, a music production company, or an internet based business. Would any employer hire someone who cusses loudly in public? How could a person be taken seriously? Why would I want my business being represented by someone with no social etiquette?
What I'm going to tell you next may be painful, but it's the truth. If you want people to take you seriously, then you must look like you're a serious person. Serious about life and your future. It doesn't mean going to Armani and buying the most expensive suit. It means being aware that others will react to how you present yourself. If you carry yourself with shoulders back, eyes forward, and a big welcoming smile, then people may just want to get to know you. There is opportunity for meaningful connections that can benefit you and the person that just met you. If you slouch, wear clothes that don't fit properly, and have a grimace, then why would someone want to get to know you? People tend to look for others who can add value to their lives, not ones that may take away value or bring them down.
Two of my closest buddies risked much of what they had in order to acquire the things they always wanted based on a life of passive income. They each took on the liability of having expensive cars, buying expensive designer clothing, and residing in the most expensive part of town. They did all of this without a job. They adopted these images, incorporated it into who they are, invested in the opportunities associated with them, and believed in what they could offer others. Others saw them, believed in who they are, and formed meaningful relationships with them (business-wise). It paid off for them. They now hold dozens of real estate contracts and operate several businesses. They were able to attract the right people to fulfill their needs because they were able to make great first impressions.
To be fair, a person's appearance isn't all that matters...once you get to know them. That first guy may be a scholastic genius with incredible business skills and a large wallet for donating to charities. And that second guy could be a deranged serial killer. What do I know? I just rely on what I know about people. And what I've learned is that the ones who are willing to put the effort into projecting who they are now and who they want to be are the ones I'd like to have in my life. They would probably add value and opportunities in my life. And adds to my personal growth.
-RY
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