You only get one chance to make a first impression.
We’ve all heard that saying before, and it’s true: the way you present yourself when meeting someone for the first time can either make or break a relationship.
But what about the last impression you make? Just as your first impression is important, so is your last impression. In fact, your last impression might even be more impactful than your first impression. Why? Let’s find out.
First impressions aren’t everything
When you meet someone for the first time, you’re sizing them up and trying to make a good first impression.
But what happens when you meet them for the second time? You’ve already formed an opinion of them, and you’re more likely to focus on their weaknesses than their strengths.
The same is true in business. Your clients will judge you not just on the products or services you offer, but on the first project experience, they have with you. Are you responsive to their needs? Do you go the extra mile? Are you easy to work with?
Why you should focus on your last impression
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You should focus on your last impression because, in the same way that your first impression can make or break a relationship, your last impression can do the same thing.
Think about it: You may have had a great first meeting with someone, but if your last meeting is a disaster, they’re going to remember you for the wrong reasons.
Conversely, you may have had a terrible first meeting with someone, but if your last meeting is good, they’re going to forget about the bad first impression and remember you for the right reasons.
It’s all about balance. You want to make sure that your first and last impressions are both good ones so that people remember you for all the right reasons.
The value of a lasting impression and how to make one
The first impression you make is only half the battle. To make a fantastic lasting impression, you need to focus on the latter half of the equation as well.
Here are a few tips on how to make a lasting impression that will stay after you’ve left the room:
- Be considerate. This is something that should go without saying, but it’s all too easy to forget. Always be respectful of those around you, and be sure to thank people for their time (and coffee treat, if applicable).
- Be genuine. Nobody wants to deal with a phony, so always be yourself. If you act like someone you’re not, it will show sooner or later—and that’s not a good thing. People respond better to genuine individuals than they do to those who put on airs.
- Be a listener. We all know those people who never stop talking—and we can all agree that they’re pretty exhausting. While you can be eager to share quirky facts about yourself, tell stories that capture your audience’s attention, or simply showcase your positive side, learn to listen.
The bottom line is that your last impression is just as important as your first impression—if not more so. So, if you want to make sure you’re leaving a lasting impression, focus on your verbal and nonverbal cues, be genuine, and be yourself.