International Business Image Improvement Month – Update

By Terry Orr

Remember the expression – “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” – well it is true, as most of us know – often first hand.  We can however work to continue to make a good impression during our daily lives – and in business. Your image is more than just your visual brand, it’s your customer service, it’s your marketing and sales, it’s how you communicate with customers and how they view you, and it’s the way you do business.

So how can you improve your impression on others?

• Find out from others what they think?
• What can you do to improve your image to others?
• What is it others do – that impress you?
• What is it others do – that insult your sense of fairness and good business practices? Are you or your people doing it as well?
• Take a few moments at the end of each day and ask yourself – if I had to do over something today, what would I do differently? Then apply that lesson learned.
• Consult a professional organizer or image consultant to help you improve your office and appearance.
• Consult a web or graphic designer to design your website, blog, business cards, and brochures

Be consistent – the look and feel across all your marketing channels and your customer will feel at ease wherever they come in contact with you.

(All images from Google)

Get to Know Your Customer Day

(Google Image) 

By Terry Orr

Growing up in the Midwest years ago helped me establish a solid foundation as an adult and businessman.  In addition of knowing our customers, in most instances they were also our friends.  You knew their families, church they attended, what they enjoyed doing and important dates in their lives.

When I started my second career as a consultant after retiring from the Navy, I was very fortunate to meet fellas who own his business in San Jose California – Jerry.  He maintained a very nice record of all his business acquaintances that included: name, business and home contact information; birthdays and anniversaries; name of spouse; children and their birthdays; what type of food, wine; drinks, and favorite restaurants; sports and other entertainment information.  In addition, he kept track of when the talked, met, corresponded and the jest of those events.  He also sent personal greeting cards and notes.

(Google Image) 

My brother Dwight sends personal notes to his customers on a regular basis – frequently with a copy of a news article that the two had discussed recently.  This is an excellent example of knowing your customer and taking the extra step.

(Google Image) 

From my perspective, both in business and personal, each and every acquaintance I make are considered life-long relationships.  Why?  The vast majority of these people keep reappearing in my life.  So from the get go, I consider each person someone I will know forever.