You never get a second chance to make a dynamic first impression! When presented with the opportunity to communicate your value to prospective customers/clients, what do you say that will connect and resonate with them?
Last week, I attended a networking event. The whole point of the meeting was to network with other professionals in hopes of forming business referral relationships. To kick it off, the group leader asked each of us to introduce ourselves and share with the group the reason we got into our line of business.
One by one, a cast of lawyers, bankers, financial planners and other professionals stood up, stated their name and company, and then said something along the lines of, “well, I never really meant to be a <insert the occupation>, I just happened to fall into it.”
Albeit unmemorable and even a bit boring, I did not realize the gravity of such a missed opportunity to make a powerful first impression until my friend, Jeffrey, a trial attorney representing individuals who have experienced catastrophic accidents, approached me after the meeting and said something along the lines of, “I just happened to fall into it? Now that’s what I’d consider a career slip and fall!”
Creative pun aside, I could not agree with him more. Our ability to be effective, compelling, and sought after “trusted advisors” largely depends on our personal brand, which is primarily based on how others perceive us–our words, actions, impressions.
In an economic environment where most of our businesses have been commoditized (or at least that is the perception), one way professionals can distinguish themselves from their competition is demonstrate the passion they have for what they do.
Whether it is a group introduction, a one-on-one meeting, while attending a cocktail party, or in front of a prospect, communicate your passion, energy and love for what you do. Passion is contagious and others will seek you out as a result of it.
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