Getting Started - First Impressions

"First impressions are often the truest, as we find (not infrequently) to our cost, when we have been wheedled out of them by plausible professions or studied actions. A man's look is the work of years; it is stamped on his countenance by the events of his whole life, nay, more, by the hand of nature, and it is not to be got rid of easily."

-William Hazlitt

One thing we need to remember as we get started in the business or look to work with a new client or company is that professionalism matters, just as it would in an office setting. Our demeanor, the tone of our emails and the way we approach potential clients and contracts sets the precedent of what they can expect from us in all of our business interactions. First impressions mean the world in business, and this excerpt of an article from About.com details how incredibly important they are.

Do You Make Your First Impression Your Best Impression?

Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated…even if it is just a glance.

This first impression process occurs in every new situation. Within the first few seconds, people pass judgment on you – looking for common surface clues. Once the first impression is made, it is virtually irreversible.

The process works like this:

• If you appear to be of comparable business or social level, you are considered suitable for further interaction.
  
  
• If you appear to be of higher business or social status, you are admired and cultivated as a valuable contact.
  
  
• If you appear to be of lower business or social standing, you are tolerated but kept at arm's length.
  
  
• If you are in an interview situation, you can either appear to match the corporate culture or not, ultimately affecting the outcome.

It is human nature to constantly make these appraisals, in business and social environments. You may hardly have said a word; however, once this three-second evaluation is over, the content of your speech will not change it. When you make the best possible first impression, you have your audience in the palm of your hand. When you make a poor first impression, you lose your audience’s attention, no matter how hard you scramble to recover it. You can learn to make a positive and lasting first impression, modify it to suit any situation, and come out a winner. Doing so requires you to assess and identify your personality, physical appearance, lifestyle and goals. Those who do will have the advantage. Success comes to those with integrity, those that are resourceful, and those that make a fabulous impression!

In our industry, our initial email with cover letter and résumé is often the first impression a company or potential client has of us. It is important to make sure they are professional and well laid out to emphasize our skills as a transcriptionist and a professional. Look for future posts where we cover what exactly to include and exclude from your résumé and cover letter.

No matter how qualified you may be, there are times when you will face rejection and be turned down or lose the bid. Professionalism is key in these instances, and your reaction to them can either make you a candidate for future work or ensure that they will not include you in the list of applicants the next time around. While dealing with rejection is never easy, it is more important now than ever that you follow up with that client or company and let them know you are very thankful for their consideration and hope to be considered in the future should a need or other opportunity arise on their end. This will help you rise to the top of their list of potential contractors, making it easier for you to obtain a contract the second time.