puzzleIs there anybody who comes to your mind that really stood out in a positive way when you first saw him/her?   What was it that attracted you to the person?  Was it attractiveness, style, smile, friendliness, air of confidence?  In other words, what is it that causes heads to turn?  The fact is, it is a little bit of everything – put together in one neat little package.

God blessed all of us with wonderful attributes to share with the world.  No matter if you are tall or short, fat or skinny, rich or poor – you have fine qualities!  Here are some tips that might help you to look deep into yourself to see how you might better present “the real you” to the world.

  • BE PUNCTUAL.  It is both rude and disrespectful to be late.  Example:  A person I know and like was consistently late to events where she had a function to perform, causing problems with the schedule.  I have known her for 20+ years and her consistent tardiness of the past is always the prevailing impression that comes to mind.
  • BE YOU.  People can see a fake a mile away.  Example:  A former client wants badly to expand his business by portraying himself to be a “jack of all trades” rather than focusing on being a “master of one”.
  • BE CORRECTLY PRESENTABLE.  Know your audience and your objectives, and present yourself in the appropriate fashion.  Example:  A friend seeks out wealthy investors as clients.  She knows wealthy people want to do business with successful people.  For her it is carrying the right purse and driving the right car.  And, it has paid off in spades.
  • SMILE!   Nothing is more captivating than a sincere smile.  It reveals your inner being.  It can be magnetic!  Example:  A person from my past had a very negative attitude about everything and rarely smiled.  As a result, she had very few friends and people tended to avoid being in her presence.
  • BE POSITIVE.  You’re asked numerous times a day, “How are you?”    What is your answer?  If it is anything other than “Great”, it is the wrong answer.  Let’s face it, nobody wants to hear about our problems.  Examples:  One gentleman answers that standard question with, “I’m perfect!”  A lady answers with, “I’m blessed!”  And another with, “If I was any better, I’d be dangerous!”  The doors will definitely open for you.
  • BE ATTENTIVE.  The person you are meeting is the most important person in the world.  So, be interested, not interesting.  And be genuine.  Example:  A former politician used to consistently look over your shoulder for the next person to talk to.  This person is no longer in politics and now can look you in the eye and be sincere, but I can’t forget the past.

Now for my examples of individuals whom I respect for the first impressions they leave.  They are people I have been impressed with from the minute they came into my sphere of awareness.  I have selected a male and a female to profile.

Joe McKinney, Vice Chairman of Broadway Bank.  When he walks into a room, he takes control, yet he doesn’t seem to know it.  His smile is sincere and everyone is his friend.  Joe’s unpretentious confidence is intoxicating.  I can remember the first time I was in Joe’s presence.  I knew then he was someone I wanted in my world.  And yes, he is a friend now, and I’m honored to sit on a community board with him.

Carri Baker Wells, Chief Operations Officer for the San Antonio office of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLP.  Carri carries herself with style and grace in all that she does.  She exudes absolute class and confidence.  When Carri walks into a room, everyone present definitely takes notice.  But it’s not all about her looks and demeanor.  She has displayed competence as a leader in many arenas.  Carri just won the prestigious Girl Scouts Trefoil Award.  She lit up a ballroom filled with several hundred people.  It was amazing!