Turning a First Impression to a Lasting Impression
by PoolGuy on 17/02/09 at 9:07 pm
The most important thing you must do when gaining new customers is Make the Best Impression. It’s one thing we’ve all learned when going on the “first date”, we look and smell our best. Hair combed, teeth brushed, etc. we want to make it memorable.
This equally applies in business! We don’t show up to an interview with tattered jeans and unshaven. We all strive at making the best first impression.
How do we turn this into a lasting impression?
Usually, we hand out a business card or brochure. Do you always carry a supply of business cards with you? Or, tell me true, is that extra card in your wallet written with somebody’s phone number on the back? For that matter, do you even have a couple of spare cards? And the cards that you do have, are they fresh out of the box?
I know, I’ve been there, hard as I try. I too have resorted to passing out the last card only to have it look like it was run over by a Mack truck! Below are 5 things you can do, right now, to never get caught without your first means at making a lasting impression.
Always carry a minimum of 5 extra cards in your wallet or purse. If you find that your are constantly running out, you might want to increase this amount.
Get in the habit of replacing any worn, tattered or bent cards in your wallet or purse. This is especially true if you haven’t passed out any cards in a while.
Have a small emergency stack of cards in your primary vehicle. I recommend putting these in a small Ziplock bag in your glove box or console. I can’t tell you how many times this has come in handy.
Another place to carry a supply of business cards is in your briefcase.
Make sure you carry a larger stack of cards when going to any sort of networking event. An example, a trade association convention, Chamber of Commerce lunch or frankly, anywhere there is a potential of meeting new people. If that happens to be a small intimate gathering, no problem. The cards in your purse r wallet should be sufficient. If this happens to be a convention, you will need to carry a lot more!
These simple tips will help you to make a better impression with a new acquaintance. Sometimes, we all need a little help in returning to the basics of networking 101 which can lead you to new clients. Some may gawk at the simplicity, I’ve been guilty myself. I can’t tell you how many sales people or business owners I run across that don’t have a card with them. Not having a card with you tells your potential client either your too busy or you aren’t very professional. And while you’re at it, as for their card in return.
