You’ve heard it before: you never get a second chance to make an irretrievable first impression. Research has shown that we start to form impressions of others after seeing their faces for less than one-tenth of a second. In that micro-flash of time we subconsciously decide whether or not someone is attractive, trustworthy, competent, etc. The visual impact of a full, conscious first impression happens in five to 15 seconds.
What does this mean professionally? That you have one initial opportunity in any interaction to set the stage for success, and you don’t want to miss it by selling yourself short.
When someone tells you they think you’re selling yourself short, pay attention to this valuable feedback! This means they believe that you’re not portraying yourself in a way that’s fair to you — based on what they know about your achievements, accomplishments or potential. You sell yourself short when you don’t believe in yourself or when it appears that way to others.
How to Not Undersell Yourself
A few simple strategies can help you consistently present your best self.
Keep a positive mindset. Keep your thinking positive and have faith in yourself, your skills and accomplishments. Even if you have to “fake it until you make it,” when you believe in yourself, others will too.
- Maintain an appropriate, polished appearance. In other words, look the part. Five to 15 seconds goes by fast! Take the time to be well groomed and dressed appropriately for the occasion. Thoroughly consider the effects of your appearance on yourself and those you’ll be interacting with.
- Use confident, open body postures and behaviors. Walk and carry yourself into a space confidently and assertively. This doesn’t mean you need to be brazen, but act in an assured way that supports your talents, accomplishments and qualifications. Slinking into a room won’t ever win you anything!
- Practice excellent spoken and written communication skills. If it would help, study how someone you admire handles language. You’re going for assurance and fluidity. Avoid filler words or self-demeaning statements such as, “Well, this might not matter but…” or “Maybe, if you think it’s okay, we could …”
The good news is you get to choose how people see you and how you see yourself. Selling yourself short doesn’t depend on your own perception of yourself. It’s about what others see and understand about you, and whether that reflects reality. With the strategies listed above, you can shape the impression that you create for others and sell yourself in an intentional and strategic manner.
How do you sell yourself short? How can you easily correct this to win professionally and personally and obtain the success you desire?
