As in a positive impact! In a networking group, book club, professional association, golf outing, client appreciation event, chamber, service group, knitting group, or in the classroom.
This goes for meetings online or in a real room.
I teach a public speaking class at Rutgers University. In one of my recent classes, I had a student who “looked the part” of a mature, serious student when he came to class. He was clean cut, attentive, and took a lot of notes. He dressed more professionally than most of the students in class, giving off a “business casual” sort of look. I wondered, and even asked him, if he was going to work after class. After completing his midterm exam, he asked if I could write him a letter of recommendation for a program he was applying for.
I was surprised.
Although the student had a good appearance, he missed a lot of classes, was at least 20 minutes late for almost every class, and earned marginal grades on his presentations and on the midterm exam.
Although I had been letting him know that his lateness was unacceptable (it’s distracting to the other students delivering presentations), he had the impression that he was performing much better in the class.
As it turned out, he barely passed the class, and this was with my coaching and some direct conversations. And no, he didn’t earn a letter of recommendation.
In business groups, I see a similar dynamic. Developing relationships is important to earn introductions and referral business. That said, it amazes me how many attendees don’t make the best impression and therefore won’t earn valuable introductions.
Here are some quick reminders of how to make a positive impact!
Be Self Aware
Know how you are perceived by others and play on your strengths. Observe others and determine how you might best fit in.
Ask for Feedback Early
As you participate, ask one of the leaders of the group for feedback and how you can make a positive impression.
Pay Attention
Don’t multi-task (especially if you’re in an actual meeting room) and if you must, keep it to a minimum. Others can always tell who is attentive and who is not. That is, if they’re not multi-tasking.
Participate Often
Staying busy in the ring (punching a lot) is an expression in boxing that suggests if you’re busy, something will connect! Be active! Make suggestions, ask questions, and offer answers to questions.
Be Reliable
If you follow up on all commitments and you do what you say you’re going to do within 24 hours or by a deadline, I promise you will make a positive impression. Of course, life happens so be in communication.
Show a High Level of Commitment
Regard the group and those in the group as important. Make the time. And block your calendar so you can protect time you’ve committed to the group.
Bring Guests
Inviting a prospect, client, or referral partner to an event is a great way to stay in touch with them and offer value. If they join the group, it will benefit you and the group.
Demonstrate Leadership
Taking ownership of a task, process, or system can make an impact with the leadership quickly. Leaders attract leaders.
Contribute Ideas
Offer feedback about what works and what might be better. Be positive and be prepared to take ownership of possible improvements and solutions.
Support Initiatives of Members
If someone in the group has a cause, fundraiser, or initiative that’s important to them, volunteer, participate, and donate when possible.
Pump Up the Energy
Bring it! Be excited to be a part of the event and about how you can add to the vibe!
Be an Ambassador
If you can help new members, tired members, or those that don’t come to events often, you can make an immediate impact with group membership and retention.
Take the Initiative
An “I got this” attitude goes a long way and people WILL want to meet you and talk to you.
Leave the Right Impression
Remember, how we do anything is how we do everything. What impression do you want to leave?
Of course, it all starts when you commit to making a positive impact!
