People whom we meet make quick decisions about us. Should they hire us? Vote for us? Buy something from us? Seven seconds. This is that brief moment in time when others first see you, or your employees, whether it’s at a meeting, on the job, or at an interview. Sylvie di Giusto, owner of Executive Image Consulting and Author of "The Image of Leadership" helps individuals and companies to explore how people make up their minds very quickly about you, your leadership potential or your company, and either open the door for you or slam it shut.

1. PEOPLE
PACKAGING
is what I do ...
Sylvie di Giusto | Executive Image Consulting | New York
www.executive-image-consulting.com
www.theimageofleadership.com

2. Economic level
Education level
Competency, honesty, believability, credibility
Level of sophistication
Trustworthiness
Level of success
Religious background
Political background
Social, sexual, professional desirability
Ethnic background
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [1Shots] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 2
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Source: Scientists identify the Neural Circuitry of First Impressions. According to a New York University
(NYU) & Harvard University study by Solomon, PhD, Chairman of the Marketing Department Graduate
School of Business it is not just one thing that people judge about us just seven short seconds after meeting
us, but there are eleven different factors.
You have 7 seconds … Make them count!

3. sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [1Shots] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 3
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Confirmation bias makes sure that you’ll ignore
any signs that go against your first impression
First impressions are really tough to change because, once formed, we
typically do not search for evidence to change that initial conclusion.
What we look for is validation of our initial opinion, not contrary evidence.

4. 90% of information transmitted
to our brain is visual.
Visuals are processed faster
in the brain than words. 60,000X
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership 4
Sources: 3M Corporation and Zabisco

5. My business: The ABCD’s of a professional imprint
Body Image
Clothes (fit, style, quality)
Wardrobe maintenance
Grooming & MakeUp
Business Etiquette
Social Etiquette
Body Language (posture,
gestures, movements,
touch)
Sound of your voice
Volume of your voice
Habits (gossip, judging,
negativity, complaining
excuses, embroidery, lying)
Listening
e-Mail communication
Mobile communication
Search Engines
Social Media
Chats
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [Domdeen] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 5

6. LOOK, BEHAVE
COMMUNICATE
LIKE A LEADER
BEFORE
YOU ARE ONE
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership 6

7. ‣ What’s the occasion?
‣ Which “story” do YOU want to tell today?
‣ Who do you represent?
‣ With whom will you be interacting?
‣ What will they be wearing?
‣ What will your clients or the audience be wearing?
‣ What will your boss, colleagues, team members be wearing?
‣ Where are you going to meet?
‣ Where are you possibly heading to after you’ve met?
‣ How will you get there?
‣ Who else could you randomly meet today?
‣ Which message do you have to deliver today?
‣ Is there any environmental risk?
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [1shots] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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8. Productivity
Disrespect
Distraction
Preconceptions
Sexual Harassment
Financial Penalties
Missed Opportunities
Bullying
THE CONSEQUENCES
OF A NEGATIVE IMPRINT
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [bplanet] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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9. THERE AIN’T NO EXCUSES
“It’s the weather...”
“It’s not relevant anyway ...”
“It’s still working for me ...”
“I don’t have the time ...”
“I’m just too lazy ...”
“It’s too much money ...”
“I’ve no sense of style ...”
“No one supports me ...”
...
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership Image courtesy of [gubgip] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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10. THANK YOU
DANKE | MERCI | XIE XIE | GRAZIE | GRACIAS | ARIGATO ...
You have 7 seconds. Make them count!
sylvie_digiusto #TheImageOfLeadership
10
8 Spruce Street | New York, NY 10038 | United States
+1.267.303.7577
Executive_Image_Consulting
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