Leave the Right Impression as a Creative Business Leader

Right Impressions May Open Doors for You as a Creative Business Leader

Poet, Henrik Ibsen, is quoted as saying, “A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.” Leave the right impression on colleagues, clients and current and prospective customers as a creative business leader and you may be surprised at the ease at which doors open for you.

Right Impression by Richard Marris at Wikimedia Commons

The dictionary defines an “impression” as “an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence.” Impressions are the connecting of subconscious thoughts and beliefs those you interact with have in their systems to present written communications, deeds and conversations you share with them. Because each person has data (e.g. life experiences, images) stored in her/his subconscious mind it might well be impossible to avoid making some type of impression when you meet or relate with others. 

Body Language Leaves an Impression on Prospective Customers

Sure. Business cards, color-packed brochures, press releases, print and audio advertisements, informative pamphlets, digitally designed business cards, flyers, signs and websites leave impressions, but those impressions are of your company, not you, the creative business leader. Your body language, tone of voice and dare say, your enthusiasm, leave impressions, some which might be lasting. Furthermore, the impression you leave may get communicated to several other people. Depending on how you come across that could work in (or not in) your favor. 

Steps Toward Leaving the Right Impression

To leave the right impression as a creative business leader consider: 

• Smile as you approach people (according to the May 14, 2004 Psychology Today “The First Impression” article humans start noticing a smile from 30 meters away)
• Interact with others more to become aware of when you’re creating the right impression
• Learn cultural traditions before traveling to new regions and countries to avoid engaging in conduct that, although accepted or encouraged in America, might be viewed as rude or offensive in another country
• Shake hands with others firmly, but not hard enough to cause people discomfort
• Walk with your head erect, also pick your feet up when you walk (rather than shuffling or scooting across the ground)
• Speak with confidence and sincerity
• Allow your sense of humor, alertness and overall personality shine
• Practice active listening, repeating key phrases people say while you’re engaging in conversation with them 

Think about someone who inspires you. What is it about that person you admire? Is it his courage, his drive? Is it her tenacity, the way she goes after her passions? Believe it or not some of the attributes you admire in others you also possess. Let those and other positive attributes you possess shine through each time you interact with another person. 

Check out Spiral, Portia, Long Walk Up and Love Pour Over Me at www.chistell.com 

Sources:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200405/the-first-impression (Psychology Today: The First Impression)