MAKING THE MOST OUT OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Julie Ammon

You want to make the best impression in your personal or professional life. Whether it's fair or not, new acquaintances judge us on how we present ourselves long before they judge our product or service.

When making a presentation to a potential customer, keep all conversations professional and in tune with the subject at hand. This is not the time to go on about your family, problems or yourself in general. This is about them and their needs.

When we present ourselves in person, we want to look our best. This does not mean you need to go out and buy a new wardrobe, but it does mean wearing professional attire that is clean, well pressed, polished and free of wear and stains. Hair should be neat and styled, make-up for ladies should be flattering and stylish. Men need to be clean shaven or well trimmed. A lot of this is common sense, but how many times have you met someone that just looked disheveled. This gives the impression that they don't care about themselves (how will can care about you and your needs) and that they are disorganized.

When making your first contact via telephone, is the background in your home or office free of distracting noises? This is the time to remember your manors. Are you calling at an appropriate time of day for your business? Don't be distracted by what's going on around you and do your best never to put someone you've called, on hold. If it's not a good time for you, wait until it is. Be professional and keep your conversation about your customer and your transaction. This is not the time to disclose personal information about yourself unless it pertains to this transaction.

In these days of e-mail communication, if it's a professional e-mail, keep it professional. Keep the e-mail short and to the point. Use salutations and signatures just as you would for a written letter. Don't forget to use spell check! There is nothing professional about a misspelled word!

Although our world of communication has changed quite a bit in recent years, there is nothing that has replaced the style of a traditional letter. Most computers have built in letter writing assistance. Use it, it's a valuable tool.

We only have one chance with each new acquaintance to make a first impression. Make sure yours is the best it can be!