Most people underestimate the power of first impressions. We often don’t think of who we might bump into or what role that person you just met could have in your future. If you knew that you were meeting someone who was going to loan you a quarter of a million dollars or invest in your firm, what extra preparations would you make to insure that you don’t blow the opportunity?
The sad reality is that most business people either don’t think about or care enough to plan strategically for that fortuitous impromptu meeting that could be a game changer for their future. If you were one of the business owners or leaders that I coach and mentor I spend time helping you envision the key leaders you want to bring into your inner circle. We would start by creating a list of the top 10 most influential people with whom you want to develop a relationship.
Understanding that you only have 11 seconds to make a first impression; ask yourself these questions: what visual impression do I need to make? What do I want his or her first impression to be? How best can I convey that image? How should I carry myself and what will my initial verbal and non verbal communication convey?
Basic rules to guide you in your quest for making a strong first impression:
1. A professional does nothing by accident. How you dress and the level of detail that you put into your personal presentation will make the difference between “ho hum” and “that is someone I need to meet”.
2. You are what your clients buy. People are not swayed by arrogance, intimidation or timidity. They are attracted to quiet confidence anchored in personal security and humility. Show others that you honor them by practicing exceptional manners.
3. Confidence and courage comes through preparation and practice. In the words of J. B. Matthews; “Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him look ridiculous.”
In your quest to build a successful business or practice realize that you are always on call. There is no time that you can afford to lower your guard or relax your posture. The work of building a business is not for the faint of heart. You must start every day planning on and preparing for the meeting that will change your future. You must treat everyone you encounter as the treasured secret to your future success and happiness. You must want to serve others and through that service discover how to better your own position. If you commit yourself to this noble work then you will be able to answer a resounding “Yes” to Johnny Carson’s famous question: “Talent alone won't make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: 'Are you ready?'“
