Edition 17 - Perception

Dear Linx Community,

In this week's edition, we talk about the power of PERCEPTION. In business, as in life, the way we present ourselves can significantly impact our relationships, opportunities, and overall success. But the good news is, perception is something we can influence and even manipulate to our advantage.

This week, we're diving into the art of perception and how small changes in your appearance, behavior, and communication can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by others.

(And yes, for everybody who reads this and says, “I don’t care about what anyone else thinks!” That’s good… to an extent. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to give yourself the best chance at something?)

First things first, “Dress to impress.” They say first impressions are everything, and much of that is tied to how we look. Dressing well isn’t just about fashion—it’s about sending a message. When you wear clothes that fit well, are appropriate for the occasion, and reflect your business and values, you signal confidence, competence, and professionalism. Whether it's a sharp suit, a crisp blouse, or even a well-fitted pair of jeans, your clothing choices can set the tone for how people perceive you before you even say a word. This is why we wear nice dress pants and a well-fitted shirt to every meeting. Not because we are rich and can afford extremely nice clothes, but because when someone first meets us and we are dressed well, we show them we are professionals and set a good first impression.

Another huge appearance factor is being in good shape. Yes, this one takes a bit longer to pull off than just dressing nicely, but being in shape is probably one of the best ways to come across as well-presented at a first meeting. A strong, fit body shows discipline, dedication, and energy—qualities that are universally admired. Regular exercise doesn’t just improve your physical appearance; it also boosts your mental health, enhancing your confidence and making you more engaging in social situations. People often associate physical fitness with leadership and authority, making it a key factor in shaping perception.

The next biggest way to improve people’s perception of you is to be well-spoken. How you speak is just as important as what you say. Clear, articulate speech can command attention and convey intelligence. Practicing good diction, varying your tone, and using confident body language (like maintaining eye contact) can make you seem more credible and trustworthy. Whether you’re giving a presentation, negotiating a deal, or simply having a casual conversation, the way you communicate can greatly influence how others perceive you.

Then there are all the small things that contribute just as much as the three points mentioned above. A fresh haircut, or just keeping it nice and neat, a beard trim, clean nails, a nice cologne, and overall good hygiene are all tiny little details that significantly improve people’s perception of you. These details make you seem like someone people want to work with, build a relationship with, or whatever the case may be.

Your body language often speaks louder than words. Standing tall, making eye contact, and using open gestures can make you appear more confident and approachable. On the other hand, slouching, avoiding eye contact, or crossing your arms might suggest insecurity or defensiveness. By being mindful of your posture and gestures, you can project confidence, positivity, and just overall good vibes.

While all these elements can help shape perception, consistency is what solidifies it. It’s not enough to dress well for one meeting or speak confidently in one conversation; these behaviors need to be part of your daily routine. Over time, consistent behavior reinforces the positive perceptions you want others to have, making them part of your personal and professional brand.

Perception is not about being fake or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about presenting the best version of yourself, so others can see your true potential. By dressing nicely, staying fit, speaking well, and paying attention to the small details, you can create a powerful and positive perception that opens doors to opportunities you would never see otherwise.

These are all the small changes and details that we try to incorporate into our everyday lives, and more so in business. We have had multiple people tell us that they liked the way we were dressed when we first met with them, then proceeded to transact, and whether someone gives you a compliment or not, all these things matter, especially for first impressions. Not only do they make you look good and professional in front of everyone else, but when you take care of your appearance and are confident with how you present yourself, it makes you feel good as well.

Until next week,

Jhai & Riley