An important part of the process of recovering from a less-than-perfect first impression is to make sure that the second time (and every time going forward) consistently highlights the qualities you'd like to be known for and eliminates the qualities you want to steer clear of.
Don't focus on the reasons why you did or said something; simply apologize for your behavior and state your desire to rectify the relationship and start over. Avoid apologizing over and over, bringing up that negative first encounter and reminding the person of what they first thought of you.
By witnessing your skills and personality over a longer period of time, their perception of you can grow. Remember that repeated, small interactions build trust fastest. A Harvard study revealed that it typically takes eight subsequent positive encounters to change another person's negative opinion of you.
Instead of apologizing, use phrases like '“I'd love to add,” “I think that,” or “Here's a different perspective.” These phrases help you contribute without sounding scared to do so.
New competitors or competitors who adjust their existing accounts can influence how many impressions your ads receive. For example, your biggest competitor might decide to raise their bids, pushing your ad off of the first page of search results. You might then notice a decrease in impressions.
Why is it difficult to change a negative first impression?
The reason people don't often change their initial impressions is that our brain is optimized to conserve energy; if there's not a compelling reason to re-evaluate something, then we won't. So you need to manufacture a reason by surprising them.
Sensory factors such as how a person looks, sounds and smells initiates much of the impressions we make when we meet someone new. Body language during initially meeting someone is more important than the words communicated.
For example, a shoe impression made in mud is a positive impression whereas a shoe print made on a dusty floor would be a negative impression since the sole of the shoe removed dust to create the impression.... ...
When you do things that make people think negatively about you, it's called "leaving a bad impression". An "impression" is a quick decision that people make about you when they first meet you.
How long does it take to make a first impression? Research shows that most people make a first impression of a person within 7 seconds. Experiments by Princeton researchers even suggest that people can make accurate judgments of others within 1/10 of a second.
Prepare. Benjamin Franklin famously said: "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail'." It's brilliant in its simplicity, and cuts straight to the point. ...
Can you get a second chance at a first impression?
You have all heard the expression “You Never Get a Second Change to Make a First Impression.” It has been attributed to Oscar Wilde and Will Rogers, although nobody really knows for sure. Studies show a person will form their first impression somewhere between seven seconds and two minutes.
In the first eight seconds after meeting a prospect, he evaluates your social standing. If he sees you of comparable business or social standing, you are considered suitable for further interaction. If you appear to be of higher status, you're admired and cultivated as a valuable contact.
So how do you apologize when you aren't wrong, or rather, if you believe you aren't wrong? Start by acknowledging how the other person feels. Like any other apology, express regret over what happened. If you're apologizing on behalf of someone on your team, don't make excuses for them.
How do you apologize without victimizing yourself?
Acknowledge that what you did/said caused hurt. Apologize and be specific to what you're apologizing for- express sincere remorse. Create a follow-through or set some accountability in place. Shut up.
