We all know the saying, “You have six seconds to make a first impression.”
We can construct a meaningful reference to someone straight away or be relegated to the mental box of “I never want to talk to that person again.”
It’s amazing how much power an easy moment has.
But what causes these completely different results? Is it our hair, our clothes, our smile (or lack thereof) or something else entirely?
Our outward appearance is undoubtedly an element. Everything about us tells a story. Our worn or polished shoes say one thing. Our ironed or wrinkled shirt says one other. Without pondering, we meet someone and piece together these signals to create a story about who the person is.
In addition to our outward appearance, intangible aspects also strengthen or torpedo our first impression. Above all, it’s how we make someone feel that matters. If we make an individual feel essential, if we radiate warmth and positivity, if we’re engaged and authentic, we establish a connection. If not, then we do not.
These easy equations provide insight into this dynamic:
- Bad appearance + bad intangibles = No connection
- Good appearance + bad intangibles = bad/sub-par experience, limited connection
- Good looks + good intangibles = Sublime connection
But what happens when there may be a large shift and we meet more people online than in real life? And our digital presence becomes the main focus?
Our recent (digital) normality
For the past yr, every recent business acquaintance we have made has only been seen from the shoulders up on Zoom, or heard only their voice on the phone. They’re floating heads on our laptops – present for the briefest of moments during our call after which – whoosh! – they’re gone as soon because the tab is closed.
We know that our appearance from the shoulders up is vital. We consciously give attention to exuding warmth and being present, but that effortless, immediate connection that typically happens when meeting someone in real life (IRL) is tough to realize. When we’re attempting to connect with others, our brains search for two essential qualities: trustworthiness and credibility. Unfortunately, it’s hard to determine these if we have never interacted with someone in person. It’s just human nature.
So all of us go to Google, because Google is the keeper of all secrets and the answerer of all questions. Who is that this person? Can I trust them? Should I? Is they legitimate? Is this an organization? Our recent contacts consciously scour the web for details about us and unconsciously replay moments of our interactions with them, piecing together the disparate pieces within the hope of understanding who we actually are and whether or not they’ll trust us.
Create your narrative
If someone said, “I googled you,” how would you are feeling? Confident? Calm? Panicked? Anxious? Would an individual looking for you online discover a fastidiously curated collection of images, articles, and testimonials? An unpredictable collection of every little thing the Internet has assembled? Or would they find nothing in any respect that truly has to do with you?
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, considered one of our clients asked us with concern, “How can we build trust with prospects when we can’t meet them at conferences and relax and chat over a meal together?” We’d wish to share our answer with you.
A digital presence that actually represents and reflects you may also help bridge that gap to a brand new acquaintance. Working tirelessly for you, 24/7, answering every query Google throws at it, this presence could be a powerful tool for constructing trust and helping people get to know you.
But don’t fret: you do not need an enormous social media following, nor do it’s worthwhile to spend your days endlessly scrolling, liking, sharing, tweeting, and commenting. We’re just talking about defining your required digital presence and constructing a sustainable infrastructure to keep up it.
Five effective tactics
You literally have enormous opportunities to shape and improve your digital presence. We recommend starting with these five approaches.
1. LinkedIn
Because you will have loads of control over your LinkedIn profile, it’s an especially easy place to start. Below are some easy ways you’ll be able to start improving your profile.
- Choose a meaningful banner image. It might be an image of something you care about or a graphic that represents your brand/company. Your banner image is a subtle but powerful method to convey context about who you’re and what you care about.
- Update your headshot. Make sure it is obvious, skilled, and presents you the way in which you wish to be perceived.
- Revise your title. Add an outline to assist people higher understand who you’re. Remember: you’re greater than only a job title.
- Provide and confirm your contact information. Make it easy for people to achieve you.
- Optimize your “About” section. A brief and snappy bio is value its weight in gold.
- Edit your experiences. Keep them transient but thorough.
- Add (more) personal recommendations. Ask trusted people in your network to rate you or your organization.
- Customize your public profile URL.
Great examples for inspiration are:
2. Crisp content
When you create and publish content online, you turn into an authority and thought leader. It’s an immensely powerful social currency that provides people a way of who you’re and what you’re thinking that. Think of it as a long-form medium that provides deeper opportunities to have interaction people – and one which you will have complete control over, allowing you to influence others’ perceptions of you, your talents, and your house in your industry.
Starting a blog is a fantastic method to share your content with the world and prove your value. You may also publish articles with multiple images or videos on to LinkedIn.
Examples:
3. Video
Videos are a medium that permits you to convey your knowledge, connect with people, and supply value in a singular way. They provide a richer, more dynamic experience through which individuals can get to know you and learn from you. They are incredibly effective trust builders since the psychological impression of your personality and body language influences the impression an individual has of you. People can get the reassurance they should consider that you just are the expert you say you’re. Videos also can help you convey something that will otherwise only be possible in a face-to-face meeting: sincerity.
Examples:
- Louis Lehot is a Palo Alto, California-based attorney and entrepreneur who produces the YouTube series #askasiliconvalleylawyer.
- Lukas Dietzsch is an actual estate investor from Philadelphia who produces the YouTube series #thelukasshow about investing in US real estate for German investors.
4. Personal website
Personal web sites can show the actual you: you make all of the design and content decisions yourself, and due to this fact determine how the web site represents you. You can include any information you’re thinking that is vital, out of your volunteer or community involvement to your skilled life, family details, articles you have written, etc. This gives people the chance to immerse themselves in your world and get to know you.
Examples:
5. Images
Images are powerful because they’ll tell a compelling story without even needing words. What would a Google image search reveal about you? Would it show images you are pleased with and that represent your character and values? Or would it not generate a random collection of photos posted by others with out a clear connecting narrative? First, think about using a singular photo every time you will have a bio or reference point for yourself online. Google’s image recognition technology actually recognizes whenever you’re wearing a distinct shirt and avoids showing duplicate photos every time possible.
Popular tools to complement your digital presence
You haven’t got to be a software ninja to administer and improve your digital presence. There are many easy-to-use apps that make it easy to create visually appealing and professional-looking digital assets. Strengthen your personal brand by leveraging these tools.
Video: With the next applications, even beginners can learn easy methods to edit videos seamlessly.
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Apple Final Cut Pro X
Graphic design/image editing:
• Canva (Even the free version can produce impressive results.)
Website: It’s value learning considered one of these easy, block-based website builders.
• WordPress + Beaver Builder page builder
• Square room
Content/Grammar: We all know that typos and grammar mistakes don’t make for an excellent first impression, but luckily an excellent AI assistant can make it easier to avoid common missteps.
• Grammar
The power of perception
In 2021, would you trust someone who left no digital footprint? Would you hire an organization that has zero reviews? In today’s world, your digital presence is a vital a part of your personal brand, and consciously cultivating it might be the very best networking move you make this yr.
Your digital presence can play an enormous role in strengthening your network and helping to make up for in-person networking opportunities you missed throughout the pandemic. Don’t leave the standard of your online presence to probability.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images / Alistair Berg
