first impressions are almost impossible to change

That understanding needs to be built into the culture of your organization. Luke-warm first impressions made by staff over time will jeopardize future funding – and their job. If you’ve got too much on your plate, you’re burned out, or it’s just a hard month, do something about it. These ideas aren’t just for the boss – EVERYONE in your organization influences fundraising whether they realize it or not.Īnyone 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. What impression are you making with your donors and volunteers? What impressions of any kind are you making with your staff?ĭo you want them to trust you and see you as confident and knowledgeable? Her research shows that these two traits, trustworthiness and confidence, account for 80 to 90 percent of first impressions. “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?Īnd we’re also asking ourselves, “How strong and competent is this person?’” As a matter of fact, show it at your next staff meeting. 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.Ĭheck out her popular TED talk here. How can you strengthen your chances of making a solid impression when it counts? 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. Not to mention raising money and attracting the time and resources of donors and volunteers.ĭid you know it takes only three to five seconds for someone to form a first impression? The impression you create may affect future job opportunities, getting promoted, or other important matters or collaborations that you’re cultivating in the community.

First impressions are almost impossible to change