Genuine And Fake - The Difference Is Clear

In Just 3 SECONDS And You Are ........

People size you up in just 3 seconds — here's how to make a brilliant first impression

The first time someone meets you, it takes them about three seconds to determine whether they like you or want to do business with you in the future, said Jean Baur, a career coach and author of the book "The Essential Job Interview Handbook."

This is crucial when it comes to meetings where that first impression makes all the difference, such as a job interview or client presentation. From your posture to the jewelry you wear, key details can have a significant impact on how you're perceived. 

Here are a few ways to make a brilliant first impression in a flash.

This is an update of an article originally written by Vivian Giang.

1. Grooming

First and foremost, you need to look like you take care of yourself. This means paying attention to your fingernails, hair, and makeup. Baur said to make sure that your fingernails are clean and trimmed or nicely manicured. If you wear makeup, you should make sure it doesn't draw attention to itself, but is used to highlight your features.

Don't forget to also pay attention to your feet. Career expert Nicole Williams said her biggest pet peeve is when women wear open-toed shoes without getting pedicures. "If you're going to show your toes, make sure your toes are well-groomed," she said.

If you are a man who is interested in sporting facial hair, make sure that it works for you, said Adam P. Causgrove, chairman of The American Mustache Institute. 

Think about it like a haircut — not every cut is going to look good on every person, he said. Regardless, your facial hair needs to be kept trim and tidy to maintain a professional look.

2. Clothing

Whatever you wear, make sure it's appropriate in your industry. "Everyone draws their lines differently," said etiquette coach Barbara Pachter. "For example, you may be able to wear shorts, but not cutoffs. If your company has a dress code, follow it."

Baur advised: "If you're in banking, wear a navy blue, gray, or black suit (pantsuits are fine for women). But if you're in marketing, training, or academia, you have a wider choice. I like to wear bright colors, such as a red or turquoise, as they complement my coloring and reflect my personal style."

It's also important to consider how your color choices will play in the environment, said Pachter. "Darker colors usually convey a stronger impression than lighter ones." If you're giving a presentation, make sure the color you're wearing doesn't blend in with the background behind you.

According to 2,100 hiring managers and human resource professionals who participated in a CareerBuilder survey, blue and black are the best colors to wear to a job interview, and orange is the worst. Conservative colors, such as black, blue, gray, and brown, seem to be the safest bet when meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting, whereas colors that signal more creativity, like orange, may be too loud. 

3. Jewelry

"Keep your jewelry subtle unless you're an opera singer or nightclub entertainer," said Baur. "And don't wear things that will clank when you rest your hand on the table or that make noise when you gesture."

Accessories are meant to complement your outfit, not overpower it. "I once met a woman who had a ring on every finger," Pachter said. "You couldn't look at anything else."

4. Posture

A good, straight posture conveys confidence and that you're worthy of attention. You should learn to sit in the front half of your seat with both feet on the floor, back straight, and shoulders back. Baur said this shows that you're fully there and interested.

Also, don't cross your legs or let your legs bounce up and down. These bad habits are distracting to others and make you appear immature and not serious.

5. Gesturing

It's OK to talk with your hands — it actually brings your message alive. "Try in your everyday conversations to build 'gesture awareness' and let your hands be descriptive," said Baur.

This means that if you say the word "huge" in your conversation, practice gesturing what huge looks like. Whatever you do, don't lace your fingers together and play with your rings, as these are unproductive ways to release energy.

6. Facial expression

Make sure your face is pleasant by smiling often and maintaining eye contact at appropriate times. If you're frowning or your face looks frozen in nervousness, the interviewer could easily get the impression that you're difficult or indifferent.

When you smile, make sure that you are giving off a genuine smile.

7. Handshake

Don't do anything out of the ordinary when it comes to the handshake.

Simply grasp the other person's hand firmly, say something like "very nice to meet you," look at them directly in the eye, and smile warmly. 

Source:     How To Make A Brilliant First Impression

How To Prove Yourself As A Young Leader

By Carrie Rich

Every few days, my tech-savvy Pa Pa sends me a simple reminder via text – an image, a saying, a blessing or a piece of wisdom to remind me about what’s important in life.

The other day, he sent me this powerful quote: “You have to accept that you’ll never be good enough for some people. Whether that is going to be your problem or theirs is up to you. – Bryant McGill”

This message was especially well timed, as I had recently been doubted and disrespected. I was told that my dreams were too big and that I was naive to think I could be part of pulling off the proposed vision with my level of (in)experience.

As much as I proactively fine-tune how I present myself, being doubted because of my age was not a first-time occurrence. I’m convinced it won’t be the last.

Like most people my age and with my experience level, I have a long way to go in terms of being an excellent leader. I’m aware that I’m learning and that respect as a young leader is difficult to earn.

Nonetheless, it can be disheartening to be repeatedly shot down by people who judge solely based on age.

Troubled, I phoned my mentor, John Maxwell, to whom I am sincerely grateful for sharing his profound wisdom with me.

John Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, coach and author. He is the founder of EQUIP and the John Maxwell Company, working with over 7 million leaders across the globe. John coaches Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders and distinguished organizations such as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League and the United Nations. He is also a best-selling author who has sold over 25 million books.

John suggested that I reach out to him when I have a leadership challenge, so I took him up on the offer.

 I asked, “What should I do to prove myself when people doubt me because of my age?” Here’s the advice he shared with me.

Ask Yourself If You Want People to Love You or See You as a Leader

If I’m completely honest, it would be nice to be loved and followed. If I had to pick, I’d reserve being loved for family and friends and focus work efforts on leadership.

John reminded me that leadership can be challenging at times.

In order to achieve greatness, you must understand that you cannot please everyone.

While you should collaborate with others as a leader, it’s important to stick with your gut when making decisions, even when your decisions don’t appeal to everyone.

You Must Earn Respect on Difficult Ground

There is no surprise here, but as a young leader, respect is difficult to earn. You have to prove yourself day in and day out.

The best way to do earn respect is by accepting failure for what it is and constantly putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.

If others see you overcome challenges both professionally and personally, they will be more likely to respect you and follow your lead in the future.

People Buy Into You Before They Buy Into Your Vision

The most effective way to get people to follow you and garner buy-in is by building relationships.

What many people don’t know is that to you don’t need experience to gain followers. People will buy into YOU.

This is why venture capitalists spend so much time carefully evaluating themanagement team, not just the business opportunity.

Congregations follow their religious leaders.

The organization I serve, The Global Good Fund, invests in leadership as the most effective means of creating global good.

Love ‘Em But Leave ‘Em

One piece of John’s advice that especially resonated with me was, “Don’t waste energy on the people who aren’t going on the journey with you.”

 Wasting your time with people who aren’t passionate about your vision will take up too much of your energy.

For some people, it doesn’t matter what the vision is. They expect to see an experienced leader (usually someone who looks like they do) at the helm.

The unfortunate reality of this situation is that nothing I say or do will convince these people otherwise. It’s in my best interests and my organization’s best interests to keep moving, or as John advises, “leave ‘em.”

Stay Encouraged

John explained the “young leader’s curse.”

Many young leaders have a lot of energy, passion and vision.

What they often lack is credibility.

But that’s OK.

If you keep doing the right thing day in and day out, the credibility will come.

I hope you found these lessons to be valuable in your personal leadership journey. Because of his age, John Maxwell found that many people doubted him, and look how he turned out.

As a young leader myself, I have learned that the best way to grow is to stick with your convictions, take calculated risks and embrace failure for continued learning opportunities.

I coach my team to focus on what they do know rather than what they don’t and build from there.

People will always express doubt; that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I’m starting to think it’s an honor.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2015/05/26/how-to-prove-yourself-as-a-young-leader