In business, and in life, you have only one chance to make a strong first impression.
Last week's buzz around Prince William and fiancée Kate Middleton's first official outing got me thinking about this.
It was a simple lifeboat dedication ceremony in Anglesey, Wales – but for Ms. Middleton, and people watching all over the world, it was much more. This was her first royal walkabout.
The impression she left with the media and the general public was a statement about whether or not she could be expected to succeed in her new, very public, role as princess.
That's got to be a lot of pressure.
Every decision she made – from her outfit choice to her actions at the ceremony to her conversations with the crowd – was scrutinized. Overall, the reaction was very positive. Ms. Middleton was viewed as elegant, comfortable and friendly.
It was a defining moment and, as royalty-to-be, she made a great first impression.
Though you almost certainly don't have the same number of eyes on you when you make official appearances on behalf of your business, the pressure to leave a good first impression is very similar.
The confidence with which you handle yourself in public will translate into the confidence that people will have in your leadership abilities and your personal brand. Depending on how you do, the public and the media will either love or hate you – or, almost worse, not have an opinion about you at all.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to ensure you make a great first impression:
Do your research
Before attending an event, making a speech or even just meeting with potential new clients, ensure that you have all the information you need to feel completely prepared. Everything from knowing the dress code to familiarity with other VIPs in attendance is important.
Establish your key messages
All business leaders should have a strong, succinct way to describe what it is they are all about. More than that, when making a speech, talking to the press or attending an event, you should have a few key messages that you want to land. Also important: Avoid industry jargon and speak at a reasonable pace.
Connect with people
Don't make it all about yourself. Prepare to engage your new colleagues and learn about them. Ask smart questions. Make eye contact. Make a concerted effort to remember the names of the people with whom you speak. Public appearances on behalf of your brand are just as much about gathering information and starting new relationships as they are about sending a message.
Be yourself
If you've done your research and feel prepared for the appearance, this should be no problem. You've worked hard in your career to get where you are, and following these steps will not only help your confidence shine, but also help you feel as though you are truly in your element.
With the right preparation, you'll be sure to give your first impression the royal treatment. Yu'll not only nail it, but will begin to secure your place as a capable thought leader and an expert \ the community can look to for insight and commentary.
Special to The Globe and Mail
Mia Pearson is president of the Canadian region for Fleishman-Hillard Canada and its sister company, High Road Communications. She has more than two decades of experience in creating and growing award-winning communications agencies. Her experience spans many sectors, including financial, technology, consumer and lifestyle. She works in partnership with her clients to build brands, mitigate risk and shape communications strategies.