|                             The   First Step to Gaining Respect        A bad personal impression gives a message that is not always accurate. For   example, bad breath gives the impression that you are dirty. Poor eye contact   gives an impression that you are not interested. Crooked teeth give the   impression that you are stupid.        "Cleanliness and neatness are the primary building blocks to respect in   most societies." -- L. Ron Hubbard        To succeed, you need respect.        Personal impressions are important in this society. A bad impression can hurt   your chances of success. People may dislike being around you. You make them   uncomfortable. They distrust you somehow.         A good personal impression makes your job easier. It opens the door to good   relationships. It gives you a chance to show your skills and value.        Job applicants with a good personal image have a significant advantage over   those with a poor image. Sales people often win or lose because of their   image. Getting a date or finding a spouse depends a great deal on your image.        A good personal image helps make people listen to you, believe in you and   like being with you. It shows you are a professional.        Everyone can improve their personal image. It's an easy, but important step   on your road to success.        25 Ways to Improve   Your Image        1. Have no smells. Use an effective unscented deodorant. Avoid perfume and   cologne.        2. Wear clean clothing with no stains. Ensure the clothing fits well and   looks professional.        3. Females should avoid heavy cosmetics or inappropriate clothing.        4. Ensure your fingernails are clean, smooth and well shaped.        5. Pluck hair that sticks out of your ears or nose, between eyebrows, out of   moles or other odd places.        6. Look healthy: no red eyes, sniffles or coughing.        7. Brush your teeth frequently. Ensure you have clean-smelling breath.        8. Keep your hair clean and natural-looking.        9. Wear nothing extraordinary: psychedelic ties, long fingernails, nose   jewelry, tattoos, hats, big rings.        10. Stand when first meeting someone, no matter who they are.        11. Walk with good posture; stand tall, lift your chin.        12. Sit straight.        13. Make good eye contact while listening and talking.        14. Automatically smile at everyone, friends and strangers.        15. Shake hands or pat shoulders with each person you meet.        16. Use dry, warm hands for handshaking.        17. Allow a comfortable amount of space between you and others.        18. Laugh easily; it makes people relax and makes your face glow.        19. Watch your humor. Avoid jokes about race, disability, sex and so on. Tell   jokes about yourself or share funny stories that anyone would enjoy.        20. Appear relaxed, yet energized.        21. Use good manners. Say "please," "thank you," and   "excuse me" at all times to everyone, regardless of whom you think   they are.        22. Use good language. Bad/good examples: "c'mere/come here,"   "ain't/isn't," "yeah/yes," "nah/no."        23. Acknowledge everyone, ignore no one.        24. Say "goodbye" to everyone as you or they leave.        25. Be proud.        "Pride is the primary reason for good appearance." -- L. Ron   Hubbard                     Copyright ©   2007 TipsForSuccess.org. All rights reserved. Grateful acknowledgment is made   to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the   copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.     |