It isn't the first thing that matters, it is the lasting impression they leave on me. I have met individuals who at first don't seem to have it together but after talking to them for five minutes, I understand why they are successful in business. And vice a versa - I think we put too much emphasis on first impressions and not enough on lasting impressions.
Personally I absorb everything about the person. People have different personalities. I do look for someone that is dressed and groomed clean. Then their persona if they polite or are they pushy. I analyze all this and it they are friendly and smile. Then I look at their shoes---if the shoes look beat up my impression sinks.
Their appearance, demeanor and rapport skills (or lack thereof).
I'm always open minded when I have that "first encounter". People have bad days for all sorts of reasons. So I always grant everyone a good measure of "grace".
The first thing that I notice is if they seem to have an actual project to discuss or if they are just talking in generalities. I am busy and want to spend my time working real existing projects and not something that may come up at some time in the future.
The first thing I notice when meeting a fellow business owner for the first time is the way they approach & introduce themselves. Since first impressions are lasting- it is key to represent your Brand/Business with a confident, simple greeting/opening-statement that describes how & what you want people to know...at-a-glance about you/your business. Think of it as a "Thesis Statement" that speaks to your company's IMAGE.
If that business owner is approachable and how that business owner treats others. Once a person is in a status or place of authority you will see their true colors.
Respect is very important. I listen to how they talk about their job and their clients as well as how they communicate with other professionals. This tells me a lot about them. I personally don't want to work with someone who speaks poorly about their clients or can't be professional with another business. This is a red flag.
This really depends on where and how I meet them, because I use notice different things that I use to help me connect. No matter who or how I meet someone it is about how to connect, not just communicate.
If I meet them in there office I like to see what they have on their walls and desk because in order for us to get off to a good start we need to connect and these help me understand them.
If I meet them at an event, I like to ask questions find out who they are and build connection on their answers.
If I meet them from an introduction from someone I would have already found out a few things about them from the other person and ask more pointed questions about their hobbies, family or organization.
If I meet them in passing and we are in a hurry I will exchange cards do some research on them and their business then begin to build relationship over coffee or a visit to their office.
Connecting takes energy, if you can create a good connections experience you will not only win their friendship which will lead to many different forms of business for both of you.
Connecting is a skill not just a talent some people are talented connectors but even if you are not you can learn the skills and as you practice the skill and will become a talent.
Business from Newaygo, MI
Answered on Mar 30th, 2018
I try very hard not to judge a book by it's cover. I have seen honest business owners dressed in holey jeans and their face glowing with delight. On the other hand I have seen business owners that dressed up, and not a hair out of place, who treat others like trash. So one thing I do notice is, do they shake my hand and look me in the eye as we greet each other. Do they give me their full attention, or are they trying to multitask? The tone of a person's voice and body language can say a lot as well. We must remember, that we are all different, but how we treat each other can and will have lasting effects.
Answers (1-10)
Personally I absorb everything about the person. People have different personalities. I do look for someone that is dressed and groomed clean. Then their persona if they polite or are they pushy. I analyze all this and it they are friendly and smile. Then I look at their shoes---if the shoes look beat up my impression sinks.
Their appearance, demeanor and rapport skills (or lack thereof).
I'm always open minded when I have that "first encounter". People have bad days for all sorts of reasons. So I always grant everyone a good measure of "grace".
The first thing that I notice is if they seem to have an actual project to discuss or if they are just talking in generalities. I am busy and want to spend my time working real existing projects and not something that may come up at some time in the future.
The first thing I notice when meeting a fellow business owner for the first time is the way they approach & introduce themselves. Since first impressions are lasting- it is key to represent your Brand/Business with a confident, simple greeting/opening-statement that describes how & what you want people to know...at-a-glance about you/your business. Think of it as a "Thesis Statement" that speaks to your company's IMAGE.
If that business owner is approachable and how that business owner treats others. Once a person is in a status or place of authority you will see their true colors.
For me its how they treat the staff. I watch to see if someone is arrogant or rude to the wait staff. That to me says a lot about a person.
Respect is very important. I listen to how they talk about their job and their clients as well as how they communicate with other professionals. This tells me a lot about them. I personally don't want to work with someone who speaks poorly about their clients or can't be professional with another business. This is a red flag.
This really depends on where and how I meet them, because I use notice different things that I use to help me connect. No matter who or how I meet someone it is about how to connect, not just communicate.
If I meet them in there office I like to see what they have on their walls and desk because in order for us to get off to a good start we need to connect and these help me understand them.
If I meet them at an event, I like to ask questions find out who they are and build connection on their answers.
If I meet them from an introduction from someone I would have already found out a few things about them from the other person and ask more pointed questions about their hobbies, family or organization.
If I meet them in passing and we are in a hurry I will exchange cards do some research on them and their business then begin to build relationship over coffee or a visit to their office.
Connecting takes energy, if you can create a good connections experience you will not only win their friendship which will lead to many different forms of business for both of you.
Connecting is a skill not just a talent some people are talented connectors but even if you are not you can learn the skills and as you practice the skill and will become a talent.
I try very hard not to judge a book by it's cover. I have seen honest business owners dressed in holey jeans and their face glowing with delight. On the other hand I have seen business owners that dressed up, and not a hair out of place, who treat others like trash. So one thing I do notice is, do they shake my hand and look me in the eye as we greet each other. Do they give me their full attention, or are they trying to multitask? The tone of a person's voice and body language can say a lot as well. We must remember, that we are all different, but how we treat each other can and will have lasting effects.