What Kind of First Impression Do You Make?
Submitted by Holly.Keller on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 5:18pm
Over at the rAVe Now blog, Lee Distad poses an interesting question: What signals are you sending with the way you present yourself to clients?
Lee writes: “You don't want to look like a skid; clients shouldn't worry that you're taking their deposit money to pay for the gear on your last job, and you're dodging calls from the bank, but by the same token you don't want to dress and act like you're doing too well.”
He continues on to include a few choice examples of people unwittingly setting themselves up to be haggled with by wearing their net worth on their sleeve. Read the full blog here.
I'm reminded of a discussion topic that arose last year on CEDIA's LinkedIn Group discussion page. A CEDIA member asked for other electronic systems contractors' (ESCs') opinions on what kind of car makes the best impression on clients. He wondered whether rolling up to a client's home in a luxury vehicle indicates success or showing off, and whether a more modest vehicle could project an image of being less successful.
Many of you weighed in, and opinions ran the gamut, but the general consensus seemed to lean toward a functional vehicle being a safe bet. Several commenters said they drove SUVs, even luxury ones, with the thinking that doing so projects a certain level of success but still enables you to carry a certain amount of gear when necessary.
Check out the full LinkedIn discussion here (must be a member of the group to view; you can request to join on the main group page here).
So what do you think? When it comes to your car, your dress style, or whatever else, is there a risk of appearing “too successful”? Are you best off just playing it safe?
We recently switched our
by Anonymous - 11/03/2011 - 2:44pm
We recently switched our design/sales team attire from a more business like style to one that now consists of jeans and button down casual shirts. We have noticed a much greater level of acceptance on the jobsites from the CGs and the other trades. I think that our old more formal slacks, business shirt and hard shoes look was making our sales staff appear too much like the "sales guy in a suit" which inhibited that necessary bonding with the GC that aids in landing the project.
On another note I always prefer to walk up to a clients home on the first meeting so they are not influenced by my BMW. You never know what their though process is so better that they dont see any car at all if possible.