By Mike Myatt, Chief StrategyOfficer, N2growthSo my question to you isthis: do first impressions really matter? While theyshouldn't, the reality is that they most certainly do. Asthe old saying goes "you only get one chance to make a firstimpression," and often times it is the perception ofappearance that determines whether or not you are even afforded theopportunity to get up to bat. The truth is that most peoplewhen first meeting someone will quickly attempt to size them up.Whether consciously, or unconsciously, they will make quickvalue judgments in an effort to assess your credibility andflesh out your agenda. In today's post I'll examine howmanaging appearances can have a substantial impact on your personalbrand and your success. In a perfect world professionals wouldonly be judged solely on their character, skill sets, competencies,and performance. But alas, we do not live in a perfectworld...While appearances shouldn't matter, the reality isthat the car you drive, where you office, the clothes you wear,whether you're in good physical shape, the vocabulary that flowsfrom your lips, the company you work for, the publicity and PRyou put out, whom you choose to associate with, how youappear online (social networking platforms, search engine results,etc.), and any number of other appearance specific issues can addto, or detract from, the strength of your personal brand.I want tobe clear that I'm not advocating for form over substance, extremeself-indulgence, narcissism, or masking insecurity by the trappingsyou surround yourself with. Rather, I am a proponent of payingattention to detail and facing reality. Even the most discerningpeople make value judgments at the subconscious level as it's onlyhuman nature to use the power of observation in an attempt tovalidate perception. We want those with whom we work to not only becompetent, but there is also an innate desire to have themlook the part as well, as those individuals we choose to associatewith will often times influence other's perceptions of us.Let me betransparent and use my personal situation as an example. I'm aprofessional advisor that works with a very high-end clientele. Myjob is to take very successful professionals and to help thembecome very significant human beings. While I would like tobelieve that I would be judged solely on the merits of myqualifications, the reality is that I know I'm judged on EVERYTHINGmy clients see and hear that relates to their perception of myability.For instance, if I drove-up to your office in abeat-up Honda, wearing old tattered clothes, with a generallydisheveled appearance and a very laid-backattitude, would that first impression color your opinionof my ability? Sure it would...Likewise, if I drove up in a newBentley, wearing a $3,000 custom tailored suit, sporting a freshmanicure, a GQ hair-cut, and with an attitude ofarrogance, wouldn't that also color your opinion of myability? If not, it should...The overly slick professionalalways makes me want to grab my wallet and run...I actually preferto play to the middle in that I am neither understated noroverstated, but I am comfortable with who I am and my approach tothe market. The advice I give to my clients is to be true toyourself, and authentic in your approach to creating a great firstimpression. As an example, I don't really care what someonepays for their clothing or automobile, or even how expensive theiroffice accoutrements are, but I do notice whether or not they arewell maintained and appropriate for the given situation. We've allwitnessed the shallow attempts made by insecure people whoare living large in an attempt to impress others, as opposedto creating a lifestyle that is authentic, within theirmeans, and personally satisfying. The bottom line is thatyour appearance should be one that both you and yourclients/customers/stakeholders are comfortable with. You shouldmanage appearances on creating a feeling of comfort and engenderingconfidence...not on trying to impress.While much is often saidabout "first impressions," this phrase in and of itself impliessubsequent impressions are made as well. Professionals must bejust as diligent in their management of future appearances andimpressions. I am a huge proponent of being consistent and having ahigh degree of continuity of impressions/appearances. If youhappen to be someone who makes a great first impression, butcannot execute and/or deliver up to expectations you are justsetting yourself up for failure and your clients will be even morefrustrated than if they had never engaged you to begin with. Anegative experience is worse for your personal and corporate brandthan no experience at all. At the end of the day, it is notabout how much you spend or spin, but the authenticity, integrity,and appropriateness of how you manage your appearance that matters.Disingenuous and insincere positioning may get your foot in thedoor, but when the door slams into your backside as your engagementor relationship blows-up, don't say I didn't warn you...