Fact: an initial impression is set in 30 seconds or less.
It’s a curious thing, isn’t it?
People meet you—and instantly form an idea of who you are.
Their perception may (or may not be) an accurate representation of who you are at your core.
But hey! Does it really matter what people think of you, anyway? Should you even care?
YES, you should care.
I know my answer may surprise you, but here’s 3 reasons why I think it matters what others think of you:
- Favor: When you meet someone for the first time, your memory slideshow begins to play. You begin by asking yourself, “Who does this person remind me of?” It is as if you experience a divine form of déjà vu, which serves as a clue to the significance of this individual. On the flip side, when God guides the selection process, a new acquaintance looks at you and they associate you with someone or something positive. That’s when the favor hits. Favor is like a divine covering and makes a powerful first impression.
- The Law of Attraction: Instead of exhausting yourself with people who can’t work with what you’re doing—who just don’t get it—draw people who resonate with the vision you carry. Attract ideal prospects. Did you know that was possible? When this happens, you are operating in flow—dancing in rapport with others—and people that are ideal for you are picking up on your presence. These interactions are synchronous events, God’s divine appointments—not a coincidence or a moment left to chance. A series of events and Spirit-led decisions lead to this interaction. When you run into the right person at the right time you are tapping into a field of cause and effect in an unseen realm.
- Discernment: The Lord may reveal the true motivation of an individual by bringing to mind a friend or foe from your past. This is a warning or a confirmation of what your gut is saying. If you personally fail in making a good impression, it takes twenty subsequent interactions to alter or reframe someone’s original perception of who you are. Sometimes the initial interaction frames a permanent wrong impression. Spiritual warfare in the area of your interactions with others is essential, as you need particular individuals to help you accomplish your calling and unique purpose. Declare a divine veto on gossip, slander, and negative commentary, which only serve to corrupt the context of the impression you convey.
Become an expert reader of people and you can connect with and motivate anyone. It’s not hard if you know how. Words have the power to heal or destroy. What would happen if you understood how to frame your words in such a way that within 30 seconds they go to the very heart of a person with 1000 volts of life?
Question: How have first impressions sealed or soiled your chances with a potential colleague or friend? Comment below!
As One!
Lance
P.S. Check out Maximum Impact. You’re going to love this training!
I think at work
Lance, Larry Tomczak here! Don’t forget me my brother!
Larry, I remember meeting you in the Pensacola airport back in February of 1999, when my School of Ministry was leaving Pensacola from visiting Brownsville Assembly of God You left an instant impression on me that I thought since Lance brought this up as a topic, I thought I would take a moment to say hi and thank you for praying for me at Brownsville and thank you for the brief encounter with you at the Pensacola Airport. It meant a lot that you stopped to say hi to me that day. I never forgot. Blessings…
Mike Hendrick
Larry, I remember you. I had a salad in your home with Brent 25 years ago. Ha haha. We were the Albie Pearson sons…so to speak.
WOW… This is such a good synopsis… and overflowingly full of WISE advice. Thank you, Lance! ??✨?
I remember my first impression of a person who is now courting me for his business. I was impressed of how he presented himself in dress, in presentation, in poise. It left an indelible impression on me. It told me that this man was a very confident, well presented individual. When he gave me his business card, it was a quality business card, with better stock than the typical card, and just presented himself as a person that I knew I would get along well with. My hunch was correct and since our first meeting two years ago, he is now actively pursuing me to be part of his business in a key role.
Read the book of Proverbs & you will receive God’s view of true discernment
Hi Lance , Thanks so much for your teaching, I have found it excellent and so real , packed with spiritual realities that are helpful and practical to real Christian living . Come to my place sometime , I would love to chat with you , I’m just around the other side of the planet, closer to heaven ! Adelaide , Australia ! Peace and blessings , Martin McWhinney
Favor = Nehemiah 1:11 Cupbearer to the King and Man who helped Rebuild the Walls! Genesis: 40:1 Cupbearer did not find with the King and was put in prison, but…was assigned to Joseph. Met you at Covenant in Carrollton, TX. Blessings to you! UR a Great Teacher! Cheers!
Hi Lance:), Thanking God for His abundant grace in and through you! Sometimes I have been preoccupied and not given someone the full attention they should have. God Bless, Gail
Hey Lance… love any discussion of Favor.. it’s the easiest, most satisfying, and most magnetic way to grow your business. I don’t care for all the manipulation and strategies to market and sell, but flowing in favor produces the win/win effect.
My question regards the Maximum Impact audio series (which I bought… again) and I know that it was done in 2008. Many of things you talked about in it was fairly new then, but now, 8 years later, the conversation is more common place. I still hold them to be true, but in the marketplace, do you think people are getting tired of the message? I hope not because it still resonates for me, but from a marketing perspective, I am wondering. Or is it just timeless truths that never grow old? Thanks, Maryann
Although what you are saying is OK, if I have surrendered to the Almighty then I am dead and the only thing someone should see in me or feel from my vibs is what the Holy Spirit is allowing to happen. Sure I get a first hand seat in seeing what is going on, but it’s a God’s thing that is happening with me being an invited guest to witness it. We are only a focal point, pointing toward the real one and true Leader Jesus Christ. If I don’t point to Jesus Christ then I am boarding on what lucifer did in allowing it to be about me and Him (God). Blessings, Ty