Why It's Important to Make a Good Impression and How to Do It

Why It’s Important to Make a Good Impression and How to Do It

July 16, 2016

Most people value someone who has made an effort to make a good impression, so why aren’t more of us doing it? Taking steps to make a good impression is much easier than you might have thought, and by adopting some new habits, it will soon become a natural part of who you are. We discuss just why it is important to make a good impression and how you can take steps to do so below.

The Importance of Making a Good Impression

We all like to be thought of in a positive way by our family, friends and colleagues but there are certain elements to our behaviour which can change their perceptions of us, and not in a good way. If you want to be remembered the next time you try for a job, want to secure an invite at a key event or simply be thought of as a polite, punctual person, then you need to take steps to do so.

Key Tips for Making a Good Impression

Be a better communicator

Make the effort to respond to people in a timely fashion. When you’ve been invited somewhere, respond straight away. People appreciate, timely responses and will keep this in mind the next time they put their guest list together. Following up any meeting or event with a thank you is also greatly appreciated and doesn’t take much time at all.

Become better organised

People who are late, unorganised and are unapologetic about being so do not leave a good impression on people. Plan where you’re going and how you’re going to get there in advance, and bear in mind that you need to run to someone else’s time, not yours. If you need to find out information in advance, do it, don’t leave things until the last minute where there is more of a chance that things will go wrong.

Be on time

Being punctual is a great personality trait to have and one that doesn’t take a lot of effort. Be on time, or even a bit early if you can in order to avoid being remembered as a person who is always late. People tend to notice latecomers to events or meetings, and not for the right reasons.

Don’t be afraid to mingle

It might be daunting, but making the effort to mingle with others will show people that you’re sociable and you may make some great new connections when you’re there. People won’t get a chance to remember you if you just sit sullenly in a corner. If you can attend an event with someone else, ask them to make some introductions for you so that you don’t feel alone.

Dress to impress

Always check the dress code before you attend an event, and if you’re ever in doubt, keep it simple. It is more important to look presentable and neat than it is to show up in a show stopping outfit. Wear something that you feel comfortable in and your confidence will shine through.

As you can see, there are some fundamental tips to follow in order to create a good impression. By focusing on being presentable and polite to those around you, you’ll be remembered and respected, not known for showing up late and unorganised.