Branding expert and best-selling author Sally Hogshead knows that we live in a distracted, competitive and commoditized world. According to some research the average attention span could be as low as 9 seconds (the same as a gold fish). You need to demonstrate your value immediately or your listener will be off to the next thing. Here's 7 strategies to make a brilliant first impression at your next conference, networking event, job interview or meeting.

1. !
7 STRATEGIES
FOR A BRILLIANT
FIRST IMPRESSION

2. INTRODUCTIONS
HAVE A 90%
FAILURE RATE.

3. !
It’s better to avoid
introducing yourself
to someone than to
waste their time with
weak communication.
!

4. !
Every time you
introduce yourself,
you are either
adding value or
taking up space.

5. !
YOUR INFLUENCE AS
A PROFESSIONAL WILL
BE MEASURED BY YOUR
ABILITY TO GET OTHERS TO
LISTEN AND TAKE ACTION.

6. !
1. Find one way to
add VALUE to the
conversation.

7. !
What problem is your
listener facing?
!
How can you help
overcome it?

8. !
2. Understand how
theWorld sees YOU.

9. !
How is your personality
most likely to impress
others? You already
have certain patterns
of communication.
!
These shape how people
perceive you.

10. PASSION
INNOVATION
POWER
PRESTIGE
TRUST
MYSTIQUE
ALERT

11. !
So how does the world see you?
!
If you haven’t discovered that yet,
find out at:
!
www.HowTheWorldSeesYou.com

12. HOW CAN YOU START THE CONVERSATION?
INNOVATION
PASSION
POWER
PRESTIGE
TRUST
MYSTIQUE
ALERT
INTRODUCE YOURSELF WITH
HUMOR,
CONNECT INSTANTLY WITH A
WARM SMILE AND OPEN BODY
START A CONVERSION
WITH A STRONG OPINION
OPEN TOPICS ABOUT IMPROVEMENT
MAKE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE
ASK INTELLIGENT QUESTIONS
SHOW INTEREST BY ASKING FOR
DETAILS
CREATED BY SALLY HOGSHEAD | DISCOVER MORE AT HOWTOFASCINATE.COM | EMAIL: HELLO@HOWTOFASCINATE.COM ©2014 FASCINATE, INC.

13. 3. Create your
“Anthem.”

14. An Anthem is a
tagline for your
personality.
!
It’s how you are
different and
what you do best.

15. Once you know
what makes you
valuable to others,
you’re more authentic
and confident.

16. Build Your Anthem:
!
www.HowToFascinate.com/Anthem

17. 4. Ask real
questions.

18. When it comes to
first impressions,
your questions matter
more than your answers.
The goal is to get away
from trite topics, and get
on a roll together.

19. 5. Consider what
your listener will
ALREADY be
thinking and
talking about.

20. It’s easier to immediately
connect with someone if
you already know what
they’re pondering… or
struggling with… or
excited about.

21. 6. Commit to
a strong start.

22. When introducing
yourself, don’t wait
for the other person
to do all the work.

23. TWEET THIS:
!
“When it comes to first
impressions, a weak start
leads to a poor impression.”
!
via @SallyHogshead

24. So if you’re ready to
make a brilliant first
impression, create
your Anthem now:
!
www.HowToFascinate.com/Anthem

25. 7. Bring a sense
of purpose to
the conversation.

26. TWEET THIS:
!
“The purpose of a
conversation is not
to kill time, but to
grow a connection.”
!
via @SallyHogshead

27. www.HowTheWorldSeesYou.com
wwwwww.H.HoowwTThheeWWoorrldldSSeeeessYYoouu.