How to make a good first impression – tips for lasting success

First impressions are extremely important – in a second or two, people form a certain image of us that can determine the course of a future relationship, whether personal or business. You may have asked yourself: “How do others perceive me?” or “What influences someone’s image of me the most?” This article explores these very details: from appearance and body language, to clothing choices, to dental care and posture. These are all elements that can easily improve your overall impression, and over time, your entire reputation. In addition, you will discover how knowledge about “first impressions” can be integrated into building a successful online business – by combining personal branding and collaborating with a team like Forever Living. Get ready for a long but useful guide, full of tricks and scientific insights that will help you leave the best possible impression every time you meet new people.

Why is the first impression crucial?

Psychologists and sociologists have long studied how we form opinions about new people. According to some research, within the first few seconds (sometimes even 1/10th of a second is mentioned), our brains already make intuitive judgments. These early impressions are often so strong that subsequent information can only partially change the initial picture.

Specifically, Brandy Mychals , author of “How to Read a Client from Across the Room,” points out that presentation (i.e., how we dress) is more important than classic beauty. Job interviews, dates, and even casual socializing begin before we even say a word. That’s because nonverbal communication—our appearance, posture, and even facial expressions—creates a strong foundation on which others build their conclusions.

1. Feet and footwear – more than just a detail

When we meet someone, we often “scan” their overall appearance. While it may seem like we pay most attention to their face, a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality found that footwear choice plays an important role in assessing age, gender, average income, and personality. According to the study:

• Robust shoe models are usually associated with a rough, strong, but sometimes “not at all gentle” character.
• Elegant footwear gives an impression of status and conscientiousness: people may perceive you as a person with high standards or someone who pays attention to details and material values.
• Ankle boots (which are currently very popular) are associated with a dose of aggression or an “edgy” attitude.

So think about what kind of impression you want to make: sporty, elegant, casual or businesslike? Even if you’re perfectly dressed from head to toe, sloppy or mismatched footwear can detract from the overall image.

Tip: Maintain your shoes, boots, or sneakers regularly . Clean footwear, with properly tied or neat laces, shows that you pay attention to detail and value tidiness.

2. The importance of cosmetics and make-up

Makeup has a double role: on the one hand, it highlights certain facial features and gives us a dose of self-confidence, while on the other hand, it can turn us away if it is excessive or “insincere”. Research from Harvard University (2011) showed that women with moderate make-up (slightly accentuated eyes, lips and cheeks) look more likeable, capable and reliable .

At the same time, excessive makeup can backfire – people may perceive you as someone who is prone to pretending or manipulating your appearance. So this is an area where “less can be more.” Especially in a business setting, tailored and understated tones often send a message of professionalism and confidence.

Applicable to men too : there is increasing talk about “grooming” – taking care of your face, hair, beard and choosing the right skin products. A neatly trimmed beard or a shaved face, properly selected cream or tinted cream to conceal imperfections, can give the impression of a person who values ​​hygiene and their own appearance.

3. Teeth – a smile that (doesn’t) win

Smiling stands out as one of the most important nonverbal signals. A 2012 Kelton Research study of 1,000 volunteers showed that people with straight, healthy teeth appear to others to be:

• Happier
• Smarter
• More successful and popular

In fact, 38% of respondents said they would not go on a second romantic date with someone who had severely crooked or untidy teeth, and almost half said they would be more likely to hire a candidate with healthy teeth than an equally experienced person with bad teeth.

It’s not about superficiality, but about the fact that teeth, as part of our face, strongly reflect our hygiene habits, sense of self-esteem and self-care. By investing in regular dental check-ups and dental care, we are actually investing in social and business success.

4. Skirt or pants – a surprising business look

Although many women prefer the practicality of pants or suits, research by the University of Hertfordshire (UK) revealed an interesting fact: a woman in a classic business suit (jacket and skirt) is perceived as more confident and successful .

• Balanced Professionalism: The skirt is often seen as a blend of formality and attractiveness without crossing the line of “provocative”.
• Self-confidence: Research participants intuitively believed that these women “earn more” or have higher status in the company.

A study at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management also showed that clothing not only affects the impression others make of us, but also our own behavior and confidence —students who wore white coats (symbolizing scientists or doctors) performed better on a task than those in everyday clothes. The bottom line: Clothing has the power to influence how we perceive ourselves , and thus our success.

However, that doesn’t mean pants are “off limits” – many women (and men) make a great first impression in a pair of great business trousers. It’s important to choose clothes that best suit your body and personality, while showing that you’re aware of the formal code and your role.

5. Posture and body language – the power of nonverbal communication

Even if we have the perfect clothes, shoes, and smile, bad posture can ruin the whole impression. Standing straight, with a consciously pulled-in stomach, slightly open shoulders, and a forward-facing chest suggest confidence and energy.

<Research published in Psychological Science (2011) highlights that “open body posture,” also known as “power posing,” not only affects how others perceive us, but also our subjective mood and sense of power. It doesn’t matter what your academic title or job title is—body posture can overpower the impression of someone who is formally of lower “rank” within the company.

Example: If you’re preparing for an important business meeting or interview, take a minute in the restroom or some secluded spot to straighten your back , lift your chin, and “take up space.” You’ll appear more powerful to yourself, and that energy will rub off on others.

Additional tips for making a great first impression

1. Eye contact – Hold your gaze on the other person long enough to show interest, but not so much that you “scare them off.” About 60-70% eye contact during a conversation is considered pleasant.
2. Smile – A sincere, warm smile at the beginning of a conversation can be crucial. Be careful not to appear “forced” or forced.
3. Tone of voice – Speak calmly and clearly. Emphasizing key words and sentences gives the impression of a person who is in control of the situation and knows what they want to say.
4. Greeting – A firm, but not overly strong handshake. A cursory, “flabby” handshake is often interpreted as a sign of weak character, while a too-strong handshake can come across as aggressive.
5. Adapt to your surroundings – If you are in a business meeting, watch how older and more experienced colleagues behave – adopt their “routines” such as posture, mannerisms, or tone of voice, but remain authentic.

Remember that first impressions don’t last forever , but that brief moment can make further communication easier (or harder). Once you’re aware of how sensitive people can be to details like shoes, makeup, or posture, use that knowledge to your advantage.

Application in online business – the importance of personal branding

You may be wondering, “What does first impression have to do with my online business?” Whether you’re building a network marketing business, starting your own blog, Instagram account, or collaborating with a brand like Forever Living , the fact is that the image you leave behind can still be crucial.

In the online sphere, we make a “first impression” through profile photos , communication style in posts, website design , or the quality of content . Here are a few guidelines:

• Professional photography – If possible, invest in a good portrait (or a quality amateur photo with good lighting). Avoid blurry, disjointed, or “fun” images that can come across as frivolous in a business context.
• Consistency in visual identity – Keep colors, fonts, and communication style consistent. People like recognition and harmony.
• Clear, Friendly Tone – The most successful online brands and leaders manage to maintain a warm yet professional style. Overly formality can turn off a wider audience.
• Authenticity – Just as your clothing and demeanor reflect your personality in person, your online content should be consistent with your values ​​and goals.

If you want to further develop these skills, consider working with the Forever Living Products team . They not only offer quality health and beauty products, but also a comprehensive online business training system. Click
here to learn more about the free webinar and collaboration opportunities.

How to combine a good first impression and Forever Living products?

As we have seen, a good impression depends on your appearance (which includes your skin, hair, and even your scent) and your self-confidence. Forever Living provides solutions in this area:

• Skin and hair care – Products enriched with aloe vera can help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion, which immediately reflects on confidence and “first impression”.
• Dietary supplements – Healthy digestion and good energy levels allow for better posture, a firmer grip, and more positive energy when meeting new people.
• Oral hygiene – Let’s not forget how important a “smile” is. Dental and oral care products can help keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy.

If you are enthusiastic and believe in the power of first impressions, you can pass that passion on to your business partners or clients. Through your own example (appearance, attitude, brand story), you will encourage others to follow you.

Conclusion: “little things” that create big changes

A good first impression is not a matter of mere luck or physical beauty – it is a strategy that you can develop. By choosing the right clothes, paying attention to your shoes, wearing moderate makeup, having clean teeth and maintaining an upright posture, you send the message that you are a conscious, responsible and confident person. People do not read our minds, but they read the signals that radiate from every detail.

Interestingly, you can transfer all of these principles to the online sphere: a consistent “visual identity” and the energy with which you approach your followers are crucial to leaving a positive impression there as well. In the context of earning extra money or building a career in network marketing, working with a brand like Forever Living allows you to simultaneously cultivate your outer appearance and an inner sense of satisfaction.

Don’t forget, at the end of the day, the first impression is just the beginning – if you stand the test of time and confirm a good impression with concrete results, you will remain in people’s memories even more fondly and open many doors for yourself personally and professionally.

For more information on the synergy between personal branding and building an online business, just click
here and register for the free webinar.

With practical advice, team support, and quality products, your first impression can become a tool for building long-term success and stable income .

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional business or medical advice. For specific needs (e.g. dental procedures, professional styling), contact the competent experts.