“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
–Anonymous

Maybe it’s because my mom was an opera singer. Maybe I’ve watched one too many episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Maybe I’m just a total ham, but so help me God — I love making an entrance.

If you’re a wilting wallflower who dreams of striding tall in thigh-high boots (literal or metaphoric), this article is for YOU.

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1. EYE CONTACT

All too often, we scuttle through life with our eyes half-closed, hidden behind sunglasses, or cast to the ground. Laser-beam eye contact confers energy, attentiveness, interest, confidence and engagement. If you want your words to resonate, look ‘em straight in the eye.

2. POSTURE

Hold your core tight. Relax your shoulders. Elongate your neck. Zip your shoulder blades together. Stride like a ballerina, with a touch of swagger. And if you’re not used to wearing heels (gentlemen!) practice some runway struts in your bedroom.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before you arrive, get your Google on. Arrive with a handful of auto-pilot talking points to kick off the convo and convey that you, like, give a damn.

:: “I noticed that you’ve been Tweeting about raw food lately — how’s that going for you?”
:: “Hey, I could be mistaken, but didn’t your agency just win a graphic design award?”
:: “Loved your last blog post. What made you decide to wear a pirate eye patch for thirty days?”

4. SCENT

In the Republic of Benin, West Africa, there’s an expression of endearment and deep love that I can’t recall (because I’m an American idiot). Directly translated, it means “I love your smell.”

Think about the 5 people you adore most aggressively. Chances are, you’re hooked on their scent.

Develop a signature scent, and wear it lightly — but consistently. My secret formula: “Light Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana + Old Spice deodorant. My scent has compelled total strangers to declare (loudly) that they “wanna spend some money” on me — “or sumpthin.” Now THAT’S an first impression!

5. VOICE

Before a performer takes the stage, she’ll warm up her vocal chords and activate her diaphragm. Before you step onto the scene, do some vocal warm-ups to clear the gunk and enrich your tone. As Sarah Storer (aka The Naked Redhead) told me during a recent voice coaching lesson, “channel your inner Oprah.”

6. YOUR ENTOURAGE

If you’re feeling skittish about flying solo to a shmancy event — and the guest list is fluid — bring a small flock of wingwomen. Surround yourself with people who compel you to step up your game — not people who lurk in dark corners and gaze mournfully into their cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

7. CARDS

I can’t overemphasize the benefits of a visually-striking business card. Get thee to Moo.com and order a pack, stat. Jobless or transitioning? Print some calling cards with your basic contact deetz, and perhaps a memorable tagline of your own devising. How Victorian!

8. A SIGNATURE PIECE

If your outfit is feeling “forgettable,” add a unique brooch, hat, monocle, scarf, helmet, cravat, vintage t-shirt, motorcycle jacket or piece of bling to the ensemble. Your signature piece will evoke conversation — and even if no one remembers your name, they’ll remember “the woman with the mysterious Oingo Boingo t-shirt.”

9. MEMORIZE A QUOTE

Spouting off a line by Oscar Wilde or Lord Byron adds instant class to any affair — but Cat Stevens can be equally effective. Want to score extra points, and make the ladies’ knees buckle with delight? Memorize a frickin’ sonnet. It’s the ultimate dinner party parlor trick.

10. BRING A TRINKET

A $7 bottle of wine from Trader Joes can go a long way, my friends. Make like the Three Wise Men and show up bearing gifts. (Frankincense and myrrh not recommended).

11. PUNCTUALITY

Rule of thumb: Arrive 5 minutes early for job interviews, 5 minutes late for dinner parties, and spot-on-the-money for first dates.

12. UNDERPROMISE / OVERDELIVER

Whatever you said you’d do / bring / share / deliver, do a lil’ more. Go over the top. Be splashy. Be superior. Light up the whole frickin’ house.

13. HALF-SMILE

If you’re feeling agitated and fluttery, force your lips into a Mona Lisa smile. Not a goofy, toothy grin. Just a gentle half-smile. It’ll trigger a flow of calming endorphins, and regulate your breathing. Truth. Fact. Word.

14. RECIPROCATE

Your first-impression-incubation-period extends beyond first contact. Tie it off with a brilliant bow by sending a handwritten thank you note, as soon as postally possible. Circle back in a week with an expression of gratitude (and an offer of reciprocation). Home-cooked meal at your place? A shrewd job lead? A heartfelt client referral? A back massage?

15. SAY YOUR NAME

I saved the best — and most obvious — for last. It takes at least 3 repetitions for your name to firmly lodge in the listener’s brain. Say it. Say it. Say it. And once more for good measure.

5 clients & comrades who want to help you make a bangin’ first impression — online & off:

SHENEE HOWARD
This little chickadee is the one-woman engine behind You’ll Look Great — an all-in-one-woman branding operation spanning webcopy, portfolio sites, logos and identity packets.

NATASHA LAKOS
Crisp, elegant and distinctly feminine visual identities, for entrepreneurs on a mission. She’s high on philosophy, and low on drama. Lovely woman. Lovely designer.

DYANA VALENTINE
Ms. DyVa is the instigational vixen behind the Pitch Perfect program. She helps artsy types and corporate kids alike craft pitch statements that stick.

DANIELLE LAPORTE
Always & forever. Take the Style Self-Exam and listen to The Psychology of Style & Branding. Then buy a copy of THE SPARK KIT, and revel in Session 6 (“Looking Super Fine”) and Session 8 (“It’s All Self-Promotion, Baby”).

GALA DARLING
I know from blessed personal experience that this woman can captivate a room, stop traffic and turn heads six ways to Sunday! Read: How To Be Confident, What To Wear To A Job Interview, What Does Your Clothing Say About You? and (for vigilant strutters) Avoiding Creeps.

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POW! image via :: KickKickSnare