[8] Heels, Hustle, and the Power of First Impressions
There’s something about slipping on a pair of heels that instantly shifts your mindset. The added height, the sharp click against the pavement, the way they change your posture—suddenly, you feel unstoppable. It’s not just about the shoes; it’s about the confidence they bring.
That same energy applies to sales—and honestly, to life. First impressions are powerful. Whether you’re stepping into a big pitch, meeting someone new, or walking into a room full of strangers, how you show up matters. People decide within seconds if they trust you, respect you, or even want to listen to what you have to say. The way you carry yourself, the energy you bring, and the confidence you exude set the tone for everything that follows.
But here’s the catch: Confidence isn’t something you just wake up with—it’s built. It comes from preparation, from consistently showing up, and from following through on what you say you’re going to do. That’s why first impressions aren’t just about looking the part; they’re about bringing the full package.
This article is about three key pillars that will not only help you dominate in sales but also elevate your everyday life:
Showing Up – The energy you bring into a room shapes the outcome before you even say a word.
Preparation = Confidence – Just like training your body for an adventure, preparing for a pitch or a big moment gives you an unshakable edge.
Follow-Through – First impressions are easy; what makes you truly stand out is backing them up with action.
Master these, and you won’t just be great at sales—you’ll be unstoppable in everything you do.
Showing Up: The Energy You Bring Matters
We’ve all met people who just have that energy. The kind that makes you want to lean in, listen, and engage. That magnetic presence doesn’t happen by accident—it’s created through confidence, positivity, and intentionality.
When you walk into a room, your presence speaks before you even open your mouth. Are you standing tall? Making eye contact? Bringing energy that invites conversation? These things might seem small, but they create an instant impression that lingers.
So how do you make sure you’re bringing the right energy? Here are a few ways to make it second nature:
Practice your smile. Yep, it sounds ridiculous, but trust me, staring at yourself in the mirror on the car ride over, flashing that I’m totally composed and have my life together smile actually helps.
Warm up socially. Get into the habit of saying hi to people throughout your day—whether it’s at the coffee shop, in the elevator, or passing by a coworker. Bonus points if you make small talk that isn’t about the weather.
Use body language to your advantage. Shoulders back, arms open, and whatever you do, don’t cross your arms like you just found out your ex is engaged.
End your day on a high note. Write down two or three positives about yourself—something you accomplished, something you’re proud of, or even a compliment you received. Carry that energy into the next day, and you’ll naturally exude confidence.
The more you practice these habits, the more natural and seamless first impressions become. And when people remember you as someone who made them feel comfortable, engaged, and valued, you’re already ahead of the game.
Confidence = Preparation
I take my workouts seriously. Living in Austin, where summer is basically year-round, staying active isn’t just a hobby—it’s necessary. You’ll find me at pilates a few times a week, struggling through a four-mile run on the lake trail, or at Lifetime Downtown. I love pushing myself in the gym because it prepares me for all the things I actually want to do: hiking the Telluride Via Ferrata, wakesurfing multiple times a week, picking up snowboarding—whatever the adventure, I want to be ready.
But let’s be real—finding time to work out isn’t always easy, especially when your schedule is packed. The trick? Remove the option to bail. Go on a walk with a friend so you can’t just turn off the treadmill when you get tired. Sign up for a class where canceling feels like throwing money away. Set your workout clothes next to your bed so you have no excuse in the morning.
And don’t forget the fuel. Eating well isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. Cooking at home is a game-changer—when you take control of what goes into your body, you’ll be shocked at how much better you perform, whether in the gym or the boardroom. I’ll drop some of my go-to weekday meals in the takeaways—quick, healthy, and easy to keep you fueled without overcomplicating things!
Sales is no different. The people who walk into meetings with the most confidence are the ones who are prepared. Knowing your product inside and out, researching your client beforehand, and having a clear goal for every conversation—these things build the same kind of strength and readiness as a good training plan. Just like I wouldn’t attempt a brutal hike without training, I wouldn’t walk into a big meeting without doing my homework. When you put in the effort ahead of time, confidence follows naturally.
Follow-Through: The Real Test of a Great Impression
Of course, a killer first impression only gets you so far. What really sets you apart is the follow-through. I’ve seen it over and over in fitness—anyone can show up to one class, but the ones who see results are the ones who show up consistently.
But let’s be honest—consistency is the hardest part. Motivation fades, life gets busy, and suddenly, binge-watching Love Island sounds way more appealing than tackling your to-do list. That’s why building habits that keep you accountable is key, whether it’s in the gym, in sales, or in life.
Here’s how to make sure you follow through, even when you don’t feel like it:
Find an accountability partner. If you tell someone you’re showing up, you’re way more likely to do it. Peer pressure, but make it productive.
Make it social. Working from home is great, until suddenly you realize you haven’t spoken to a real human all day. Set up coffee shop work sessions with friends to keep yourself engaged.
Time block for success. Some tasks (cough Salesforce updates cough) are the worst, but putting them off only makes them worse. No distractions, no excuses.
Reward yourself. No Netflix until that proposal is sent. No scrolling on your phone until you check off your to-dos. Turn follow-through into a game, and suddenly, you’ll start winning more often than not.
The Takeaway
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build through daily habits, preparation, and showing up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. Walk in with energy, knowledge, and confidence, and you’ll already be a step ahead. And if a sharp pair of heels helps you channel that energy? Even better.
Since eating well plays such a big role in confidence and performance, I’ll drop some of my go-to weekday meals here—quick, healthy, and easy to keep you fueled without overcomplicating things!
My Go-To Weekday Meals:
Skillet White Pesto Marry Me Chicken and Orzo: Swap the heavy cream for a fat free version, add in some additional veggies (I do mushrooms and brussel sprouts) and you have a wonderfully delicious one pot meal.
Miso Butter Salmon with Scallion Salsa Verde: Put on-top of some rice and steam some green beans on the side for a well rounded meal!
Summer Beef Casserole: Slow cooked light beef casserole served with couscous.
The key? Keep it simple, keep it nourishing, and make it something you actually enjoy. Now go out there and crush it! 💃🔥