How An Unplanned First Impression Made For a Great Day

And that is the absolute truth. You never know what kind of mood you might be in when meeting someone new. Regardless of if you are happy, sad or angry, if someone is meeting you for the first time, they will have an opinion of who you are and what you represent in just a few seconds. 

As a business leader, I understand the value of a positive first impression. I'm sure that you can imagine my dismay one morning when two brand new team members found me running around the office playing with my dog. It was early in the morning and time had gotten away from me. I had just finished writing for a couple of hours, and after staring at my screen for that long, I decided my dog needed some attention.

Just seconds after running into the room chasing my dog, I found myself introducing myself to our newest team members. I found myself to be thoroughly embarrassed. I was hoping to come off a bit more professional to my new employees. They informed me that I presented a lot of energy and they appreciated that about me. 

One expressed how she had been watching me work before running after my dog. She explained that her idea of a "big boss" was someone who showed up later than the rest of the team. She was impressed that I was not only early but working extremely hard already. 

I lucked out this round, but I can't help but know in the back of my mind, everyone views things differently. What one person sees as playful and fun,  another might see as unsuitable. If you have ever done the exercise where you go around the table and ask every person their first impression of someone, you will find everyone has a different answer. 

Later that day, I had to run off to a quick meeting with one of my earlier mentors. He is incredibly smart and has provided me with invaluable insights about The Robotic Marketer I am building. 

After the meeting, I found myself to be so excited about what the future holds for Marketing Eye and the marketing industry as a whole. As I came back to the office, I found that this positive energy revealed a more active, excitable version of myself. The new members of the team were feeding off of it, and I noticed they were excited to be here.

We all went to lunch that day and I took the time to really roll up my sleeves and get to know them as individuals. I asked them where they are from, what they want to learn, where they want to go. I provided my knowledge and was able to help them learn things about marketing that they had never even thought about before. I left feeling proud to be a high energy leader who my employees can relate to. 

At the end of the day, the new employees expressed that they all loved the culture of the company and that they felt that this is a company where they will be successful. And it is; a lively culture inevitably leads to high productivity. 

Luckily for me, my first impression worked in my favor this time. However, I may use a different approach in the future. The most significant lesson I learned today is that a high energy culture and a positive environment is something everyone wants, and it is something I want to continue providing at Marketing Eye. 

Today, my new employees left their new careers feeling pumped, and I left feeling incredibly proud of what I have built. Now that is what I call a great day!