Why are they so important? 

The impression you create may affect future job opportunities, getting promoted, or other important matters or collaborations that you’re cultivating in the community.

Not to mention raising money and attracting the time and resources of donors and volunteers.

Did you know it takes only three to five seconds for someone to form a first impression?

While you might wish that their opinion were based on your intelligence or experience, most studies show that first impressions are shaped by what can be seen or heard in those initial few seconds.

How can you strengthen your chances of making a solid impression when it counts?

Harvard Business School social psychologist, Amy Cuddy, has studied first impressions and found that when meeting someone for the first time, we form not one impression, but two. 

Check out her popular TED talk here. As a matter of fact, show it at your next staff meeting. It’s good stuff, especially for women.

“We’re judging how warm and trustworthy the person is, and that’s trying to answer the question, what are this person’s intentions toward me?

 And we’re also asking ourselves, “How strong and competent is this person?’” 

Her research shows that these two traits, trustworthiness and confidence, account for 80 to 90 percent of first impressions.

What impression are you making with your donors and volunteers? What impressions of any kind are you making with your staff?

Do you want them to trust you and see you as confident and knowledgeable?

These ideas aren’t just for the boss – EVERYONE in your organization influences fundraising whether they realize it or not.

Anyone that gives a poor first impression to a donor, volunteer, or anyone in the community is making a statement that affects the reputation of your organization.

If you’ve got too much on your plate, you’re burned out, or it’s just a hard month, do something about it. It will seep out.  

Luke-warm first impressions made by staff over time will jeopardize future funding – and their job. That understanding needs to be built into the culture of your organization.  

3 tips to a good first impression

1.  A Winning Smile!

A warm and confident smile will put both of you at ease. 

Be yourself, every smile is different.

Don’t go overboard with this – people who take this too far can seem insincere and smarmy, or can be seen to be “lightweights.”

You can’t fake sincerity.

2.  Show genuine interest in THEM

Don’t make it all about you. You don’t need to be an extrovert. Introverts do this especially well.

If you stay focused on being curious and interested in them, it’s much easier. 

Ask questions. People love to talk about themselves.

“You can make more friends in 2 months being interested in other people than 2 years trying getting people interested in you.” Dale Carnegie

3.  Project a positive attitude

Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in the face of criticism.

Please don’t complain with colleagues or volunteers about:

• how underfunded your nonprofit or department is
• or how terrible your boss is
• or how the place is going to hell in a hand basket.

Omg! This is soooo counterproductive and you become part of the problem. No matter how “bad” the situation may be, maintain a positive attitude, become a part of the solution, or find another job or board to serve on.

Self-awareness is the ticket to figuring out your blind spots.

Bottom line

You have just a few seconds to make a good first impression and it’s almost impossible ever to change it.

It’s worth giving each new encounter your best shot, whether a major gift is at stake or not. It’s the right thing to do and will serve you in all areas of your life.

Much of what you need to do to make a good impression is common sense. But with a little extra thought and preparation, you can hone your intuitive style and make every first impression not just good but great.

What new thing can you do to make a good first impression (that’s authentically you)?

Tricia Dell is a fundraising coach, facilitator, and strategist for nonprofit organizations. Learn more at triciadell.com