Don’t dismiss first impressions.  Right or wrong, they are how we all make snap judgments about each other.

To help you along the sometimes-scary path of making the right impression, I’ve put together a few easy, common sense steps that you may want to follow so that others won’t “snap” you away.

Strategizing your consistent perception is the key to successfully landing a positive impression.  There’s always a point to why your impression matters to you and someone else.  It’s why you want to be seen.  Maybe it’s showing your value at a job interview or sales call.  Or it could be that you’re in a social group and want to convey role within the group.  Perhaps you attend many networking events, where meeting new people is how you develop a network and build your business, and where exhibiting consistency about yourself plays a key role in your success.

You rarely go to one event just one time.  If you get involved with interviewing for a job, you want the follow up interview, or to be hired.  The sales process usually involves multiple interactions.  If you’re a “fixture” on the social scene, you’re always a center of visual attention.  And if you’re a go-getter, you’re seeing people you’ve met before, even as you meet new people at functions around town.  The consistency of your impression will echo through others’ minds as they think about you, as they get to know, like, and trust you.

Your smile is a universally important ingredient in your first impression toolkit.  It shows you’re comfortable and friendly.  Smiling releases chemicals in your brain helping you feel as good as you hope others will see you.  If you’re uptight about your smile and wear white shirts or blouses, one great solution I work on with clients is to wear the white that matches the white of your teeth.  If a bright white shirt makes your teeth look dull, wear a more light absorbent white, like eggshell, cream, or bone, and your smile will reclaim its authentic strength.

Good breath is another important impression maker – or breaker.  Take the time to practice good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing before a social interaction so you can smile without being self-conscious and so others don’t need find an excuse to leave your conversation.  Keep a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste in your man-bag or purse so you’re able to refresh yourself no matter where you are.

Another toolkit item is good eye contact.  Resist looking at someone other than the person with whom you are engaged in conversation.  You want to give undivided attention to that person.  The best way to make sure you’re not staring [which is often why people tend to look away from one another] is to find a spot – say near the nose – on the other person’s face, and rest your eyes there so you take in the person’s entire face.  Avoid staring and getting that glazed-over look with this helpful tip, and you’ll have more attentive and better conversations with others in no time.

Make your handshake a good one.  A palm-to-palm meeting of two hands is the successful way to lock hands for a handshake.  One or two firm pumps without squeezing is all it takes to give a good impression.  Avoid infirm, subservient, or strong-arming kinds of handshakes.  A good handshake should convey mutual respect for your meeting partner and a sense of confidence through a handshake of equal strength.

Particularly at networking functions, don’t make a habit of going to them hungry.  It may be compulsory that food be served at these events, but it should not be why you’re attending.  If it is, it’s hard to negotiate a plate of food and a napkin, plus a drink; shaking hands; managing a good smile; and – dare I say – good breath.  A preferred strategy is to grab a snack beforehand and plan to eat after the event.

My final thought is to look interesting but act interested.  Use your clothing style and colors to be attractive so people find you interesting to talk to.  Yet when engaged in conversation, take interest in that person so your first impression will hardly be superficial.  You’ll be appreciated for taking an interest in that person, and for managing your own first rate impression toolbox.

Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.