I read a recent blog post by Alex Hillman titled “I Follow You” and he mentioned how first impressions are important. Alex knows what he’s talking about, and I absolutely agree, because its like that with everything. (Approaching someone on the telephone = Don’t Stutter, make it quick, know what your saying, be patient, be sincere.)

But while first impressions are thought as to be important, I feel that to make a final impression of someone’s character, or who they are, within a split second can be deadly. As a result, I left a comment on his Blog about how I’m more into second, third, fourth, and fifth impressions. This is for a few reasons:

Everybody makes mistakes.

People get nervous, things don’t act right, and

It’s harder to lie to me five times than it is just once.

If people have the wrong intentions for things, ulterior motives, etc. then its easier to ‘put on a face’ or simply ‘play game’ for 15 minutes. But if you were to do it for five meeting averaging 30 minutes each meeting, then its ALOT harder.

I’ve been the bad first impression suspect before.

I guess this falls under the “Treat other how you would expect to be treated” category. I recently sent out a Newsletter of mine that was a response to one of my student’s emails. It basically mentioned how I’ve made mistakes, had tough roads like everyone else, and just took it for what it was. So in the way I’ve made bad first impressions, or done something wrong and wished for a second chance, I always try to give that opportunity back to others.

I remember my old College Professor at Uarts once said the number one rule in business is “Basically, don’t be an idiot.” These words are true, but things aren’t nearly as complicated as people make them out to be. Me, personally, I feel that ever situation is different, and to rely on one set of rules for any given act in one’s life is eventually not the way to be. I always travel alone, and feel that my impressions have grown stronger from it.

Although first impressions may be important, I feel that being around someone who judges others on first impressions is in itself a bad impression to make.

What are your thoughts? Do you think first impressions are important?

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