When it comes to first impressions, I suppose the way you look does have an impact on what comes next. Image does play a part. I agree.
My message today involves a reminder thanks to an experience I had this past week in Oneonta, NY. That is “upstate,” and in between cow pastures.
My wife and I were visiting a plumbing supply store in search of a few important items when we entered a company that was advertised to fit the bill.
Greeting us from behind the desk a few paces off the front door came a voice from a woman who was all of 4-foot seven inches, and I am guessing not a day under 40 years old. I am also guessing she weighed a full one-hundred pounds MORE than my 195 pounds that is somewhat balanced on my 6 foot frame. Got the picture? Does a book-end come to mind?
It took maybe fifteen minutes before we were talking, laughing, joking and discussing all sorts of bathroom related topics. This woman not only had a personality that could stop a NASCAR in its tracks, but she knew her bathroom fixtures like she was born in a plumbing supply warehouse. (I didn’t ask.) Bottom Line: She was refreshing … and good. She was good … and refreshing. She was helpful and fun.
Who would have thought based on a first impression? Who would have thought that that Scottish woman on the British Idol Show could sing like she could? First impressions are a fact, but can be very dangerous … and very misleading. The truth is that knowledge and personality wins out in the end … if they can get to the end. First impressions do account for something, but it is the final impression that counts for more.
We all have our built-in excuses. Too old. Too young. Too light. Too heavy. Too tall. Too short. Too soon. Too late. Wrong time. Wrong place. Wrong company. Too cheap. Too expensive.
Some excuses are better than others. But the cream will still rise to the top. If you are good … you will be good. Hang the excuses.
There is an old saying that reminds us to: “Play the hand we are dealt.” A second reminder tells you to “dance with who brung-ya.” You have the tools. You have the industry. You have the marketplace. You have the products. You have the “want.” You have the same “time” everyone else has. So what are you waiting for? Stop excusing yourself to distraction and get out there and make more people glad they know you.
My new plumber-friend in Oneonta made both Barbara and myself glad we walked into her faucet shop. It is now time for you to follow suit. Ready? Set? Go!