AmaZe sat down for a little heart-to-heart with author Seana, a leading expert in image development, and asked her to share some hot tips from her new book. From first impressions to fashion, read on to learn how the choices you make can attract the personal, professional and financial success you deserve!

[AmaZe] When is it important to make a great first impression?

[Seana] A good first impression is crucial to success. First impressions are made within 30 seconds and are difficult to change. At any given time, your entire future can be decided in 30 seconds This is true whether it is a job interview or promotion, a career change, a multi-million dollar deal, a romance or a friendship. The entire future of that relationship can be based on the other person's reaction in that first 30 seconds.

A good first impression can unlock the door to personal, professional and financial success. In today's fast-paced, competitive world, it is important to stand out from the crowd. Those who make the best first impressions in the least amount of time will beat out the competition in the business and social world.

[AmaZe] Why do you feel that people have more control over their first impressions than they realize?

[Seana] Prior preparation translates into more success in the present moment, especially when it comes to a good first impression. Prepare yourself as much as possible ahead of time. Look your best. Be neat and well groomed. Choose flattering styles and colors. Decide on a hairstyle  and glasses, if you wear them, that flatter your face. When you look good, you feel good. This helps to boost your self-confidence.

Making a good first impression is not just about how you look. It is also reflected in how you think and feel. Start now to take good care of your body and try to have a positive attitude. If you tend to slouch, become more aware of this now and work on correcting it. A warm, genuine is always appreciated. If this does not feel natural, try practicing in the mirror when you are alone.

[AmaZe] What do you think are the most common mistakes people make -- either consciously or unconsciously -- when meeting someone for the first time?

[Seana] Many people appear to be tense and  lacking in self-confidence. Many people also appear to be uncomfortable and ill at ease when meeting someone for the first time. This is often reflected in a limp, timid handshake or a hard , aggressive handshake in an attempt to feel in control. Looking down at the floor or avoiding looking at the person directly are also common. Staring, frowning, or looking  extremely serious can also be attempts to mask insecure feelings. Talking or laughing too loud as well as a smile that is too broad and unnatural is also common mistakes.

[AmaZe] How does choice of colors you wear impact what type of first impressions you make?

[Seana] Colors play a great role in helping you to put your best foot forward and give you the winning edge when needed. Colors have tremendous power. They can affect how others think and feel about you as well as affect your own feelings and thoughts.

The right colors can make you appear vibrant, energetic and healthy looking. They can help to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well as diminish dark circles. The right colors for you can also help to even out your skin tone and flatter your complexion and figure, make you appear slimmer and add brightness and sparkle to your eyes. They can help you to appear confident and at ease, which is very desirable when, you want to make a good first impression.

On the other hand, the wrong colors can get you off to a bad start when you want to make a good first impression. They can make you appear drained , tired and listless as well as washed out and lacking in enthusiasm. They can also give you a sallow, pale appearance and cause your skin tone to appear uneven and blotchy. The wrong colors can  give your eyes a dull, empty look, blunt your features, highlight lines and wrinkles and make you appear older.

Try to remember the colors that bring you the most compliments when you wear them. Also, remember the colors that you wear when you are asked if you are not feeling well or if you are tired and avoid these as much as possible. You can also family members and friends to give you some feedback on what colors look best on you as well as what colors you should avoid wearing.

[AmaZe] Can you provide some tips for creating a winning wardrobe on a limited budget?

[Seana] Before buying any new clothes, assess and organize the clothes that you already have on hand. Sort them according to what you wear all of the time, what you wear some of the time and the clothes that you never wear. Donate the clothes that you never wear to a worthy charity if you feel that you can let them go. If not, put them in the back of the closet for now. Put the clothes that you always wear in the front of the closet.

Work with what you have before buying anything new. Try to get as much mileage out of what you have on hand. Don't attempt to build a whole new wardrobe at once. Integrate what you have with new pieces in flattering styles and colors when you can afford to do so. For now, you can update your wardrobe by adding some new accessories in trendy styles and colors.

When adding pieces to your wardrobe, start with a few basics in neutral colors that you can mix and match such as a skirt, jacket, and pants in the same fabric and color. Add a casual blouse and a dressier blouse when you can afford to do so in flattering colors since they will be close to your face. Add a  versatile sweater that can work for casual or dressier occasions. Mix these items in with what you already have. Add to them as your budget permits. Try to add pieces that can go from day into evening with a change of accessories. Fortunately, fabrics are no longer designated strictly for day or evening. Different fabrics and different textures are now being  interwoven and interchanged  and can make an easy entrance into evening.

In order to get the most mileage out of your fashion dollars, avoid shopping when you are tired or depressed. You may very well make choices that you will regret. It is also important to distribute your fashion dollars according to what your lifestyle dictates.  Spend your fashion dollars where they are most needed. Choose fabrics that do not require frequent trips to the dry cleaners. There are a number of new fabrics on the market today that do not require a lot of upkeep. They look great after a long day at work and they are great for travel.

Choose shoes in basic colors  for more mileage and avoid spending a lot of money on fads.  They may be out of fashion in a season or two. Choose these fads in inexpensive items. Don't overlook reputable thrift and resale’s stores. You may find what you need at a fraction of the cost that you would normally pay for such an item.


Success in 30 Seconds: Discover the Secrets of a Winning First Impression by Seana can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and better bookstores nationwide as well as online.