Making a Great First Impression!

"It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently."
--Warren Buffett


In her 2005 book, Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work, Jacqueline Whitmore identifies the two basic qualities to an effective, and lasting first impression: "The best way to make a positive first impression, especially during first-time business encounters, is to be on time and be prepared." First impressions are critical in any setting, including job-hunting activities, professional meetings and social events.

One of the largest insurance agencies in Arkansas does little, if any, paid advertising. Why? Because each employee in the organization sends out at least five handwritten notes (thank you or otherwise) to current or potential customers each week. Think for a minute and try to remember the last time you received a handwritten note in the mail that was not from a member of your family. The impact of a handwritten note or card is significant in an environment where junk mail and pre-printed marketing pieces dominate the mail we receive each day. It leaves an impression and one that is strongly positive!

Key points to consider for your next external impression opportunity:

• Find out who you will be meeting.
• Do your homework. You will be more relaxed the more you know about with whom you are meeting.
• Everyone talks about the weather and traffic. However, most people are at ease discussing where they went to college, recent vacations, family events or personal interests.
• Read the newspaper or watch the morning news. Leave the impression you are engaged in daily events and you are knowledgeable about the world in which you live.

You must think about how you dress each day and, more importantly, how you dress for any meetings you may have on any particular day. You must dress appropriately and be careful to not overdress or under dress. Does your appearance give the right impression? If your potential customer is in the financial industry then your dress must reflect, at a minimum, the acceptable daily standard for business. On the other hand, if you have a meeting within the the confines of a manufacturing environment then your dress should be appropriate for a potential tour of the grounds. If your potential customers wears safety boots then you should do so as well.

The bottom line is to leave a great first impression you must be prepared, be confident and, most importantly, be yourself.