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.
To succeed in business, financial or public relations activities, you must establish as much respect as possible. You have no excuse for not being clean and neat.
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. Do not smell. Use an effective unscented deodorant. Avoid perfume and cologne.
2. Ensure your clothing fits well, is clean and not stained. Dress professionally; slightly better than those around you. Wear nothing extraordinary: psychedelic ties, hats, flashy jewelry and so on.
3. As a female, avoid heavy cosmetics or inappropriate clothing. As a male, keep your hair short and trimmed; same with facial hair.
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. Unless your boss or clients display their own body art, keep your tattoos and piercings covered up.
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 you see.
15. Shake hands or pat the shoulder of each person you meet or greet.
16. Use a dry, warm hand 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
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