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What First Impression Are You Giving?
Featured Author:
Shannon Hutton
Shannon Hutton, M.Ed., M.P.A. is a freelance writer, entrepreneur and owner of LinkBloom.com, a consultant firm that helps businesses grow online. She uses her experience and expertise in search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, link building, writing keyword content and website analysis to increase traffic and revenue for select businesses. Shannon applies these same customized business building strategies to promote her site, Playsational.com, where she provides coloring pages to print, easy crafts for kids and giveaways. This website blends both of Shannon’s passions: building an online business and providing fun activities to do with her four daughters!
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The opinions and statements made in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or representations of the University of Phoenix.
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More articles from this author:
Shannon Hutton, M.Ed., M.P.A.
The other night my husband and I met a prospective financial advisor and I was stunned by the first impression he made. The old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” couldn’t have been more relevant.
The meeting began ten minutes late because he arrived late. While I have to admit I’m chronically late in my personal life, I’m always on time for my professional appointments. However, on those rare occasions when a natural disaster prevents me from arriving on time, I always begin by sincerely apologizing for being late.
This guy said nothing.
In retrospect, I should’ve appreciated the moment of silence.
For 60 minutes of the 90 minute meeting, instead of sharing his credentials, expertise or rationale behind his recommendations, this financial advisor over-shared about his personal life. While I appreciate the value of establishing rapport, this guy definitely went too far when he shared about his sister’s bout with repeated teenage pregnancies, his penchant for gambling, and his routine of watching 8 to 10 movies a week. Therefore, instead of focusing on the 30 minutes of financial advice he did provide, I kept thinking about his anecdotes, personal judgments and the insinuation he wasn’t very bright when he said he didn’t know where his daughter got her smarts from.
I truly believe this guy wasn’t trying to sabotage his chances of landing our business. In fact, I would assert he thought he was doing a good job trying to sell us his services. So it occurred to me after our meeting that people have different perspectives on how to make a good professional first impression. Here’s my perspective.
How to Make a Good Professional First Impression:
Arrive on Time
Arriving on time shows potential clients you respect their time, want their business, and plan your time accordingly. On the contrary, arriving late gives prospective clients the impression that they are not a priority and that you don’t manage your time well.
Make a Strong Introduction
My mom taught me to look people in the eye, say my name clearly and give people a firm handshake when meeting them for the first time. These simple actions portray poise, self-confidence and credibility. And I can attest that these efforts at making a strong introduction have always served me well, especially when I began working for the Governor at age 22 and needed to establish credibility with the various agency heads I was assigned to work with.
kerrysnetwork
7 months ago
200 comments
This is all great information. Follow-up is especially important and surprisingly, what most people forget.
Account Removed
8 months ago
Absolutely! It seems like many people (I've been guilty of this as well) believe they can BS their way through anything. And you might be able to survive that way, but you'll certainly never achieve great career or personal success without doing your homework.
jennifer41042
8 months ago
62 comments
This is a great article. Being a polished professional can make or break your career and that’s never more important than during a first meeting!
EstherZ
9 months ago
118 comments
Couldn't agree more...
Dana_B
9 months ago
150 comments
So true. Applies to interviews as well.