People dress for success. They put a lot of stock into their physical appearance because this is the first thing a person sees. For those looking at you for the first time this becomes even more of a pressing concern. You have to be certain that you're able to show people that you know what you're doing, and that you look the part.

Is it right to base so much on physical appearance? Right or wrong it happens, and I by no means make any claim that I'm any different. The first impression does have a lasting impact no matter who you are and no matter how much of an open mind you like to keep. Whether or not this is the biggest part of your interaction is debatable, but I think most would readily agree that the first impression sets the tone for the conversation that follows.

If a person looks dignified, if they look like they're on top of their game and they know what they're doing, you're going to listen to them with a certain kind of attitude. You'll be willing to accept what they say is true because they look like they know what they're talking about. This isn't the end all of your interaction with them, but I have a feeling most would agree it will make an impression.

But let's go beyond face to face interactions to business correspondence as well. We've reached a point where long distance interaction occurs all the time and the first time you hear about someone might very well be through a letter. And from here, enters the picture.

Consider it the suit you wear to a meeting. The envelope you put your letter into now because that important first impression. If the envelope is blank and non-descript it won't grab a person's attention or look very professional. If you got the best done that you could so that your envelope has your company logo on it and other unique designs, you're setting the mood for when a person actually opens that envelope up and looks inside.

First impression are part of every aspect of business, not just when you meet someone in person. Everything about your company needs to have a crisp and professional look to it if you want to get things off right and encourage someone to trust you.

Often the little things like envelopes are the things most often overlooked, because they don't appear to be big enough to make a different. They're still your first impression, and they're still going to be what sets the tone for the conversation to follow.