First Impressions

First impressions are unavoidable, and whether we like it or not, we encounter them every single day. While first impressions can at times be anxiety-inducing, you get to choose how you navigate them, giving you the confidence to approach these moments with ease.

I have served in client-facing roles just about my entire life, from working in a hair salon to being at a reception desk, so I’ve grown comfortable with those first few moments of meeting someone. It’s a skill that’s simple to grasp, yet so invaluable in making a lasting impression on someone. Human nature shows that we enjoy being met with authenticity. We like it when someone stops, takes the time to say hello and asks how they are doing.

It’s the little things that people truly remember. It’s as simple as taking the time to look up and make eye contact with the person you’re meeting. It’s asking how they’re doing and genuinely waiting for a response instead of treating “how are you?” as the standard salutation and not as an actual question. Slow down your greeting and take a few moments from your day to connect with the person that’s in front of you—this is a helpful exercise in working to make a lasting impression. It’s commonplace to keep our heads down and remain focused on our task at hand …or the screen in front of us. But we can make a memorable impression when we show genuine human interest in those that we have the pleasure of meeting every day.

As the Tews Company Receptionist, I have the opportunity to do this each and every day. I greet my coworkers as they come in and start their day, I greet candidates eager for a new job, and I greet vendors that come and go, making all of our jobs a bit easier. I feel lucky that I get to set the tone for the experience you receive at Tews Company.

First impressions feel so daunting; worrying you might say the wrong thing or make some social faux pas but showing kindness and greeting someone with an authentic smile is all you need. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated or scary. We can make lasting and positive first impressions with everyone we meet if we just take the time to do so.