First Impressions

Last week, I spent an agonizing three hours at the DMV upgrading my current license to the new REAL ID license. 

It was nearly 3pm by the time I got out of there, and I was starving. I hadn't eaten yet that day, so I was searching nearby restaurants half the time I was waiting, until I found one that seemed perfect. 

It was brand new, still with "Grand Opening" signs everywhere, and they served Mediterranean food like hummus, bean salads, olives, grape leaves, and assorted meats. I love that kind of food, so I was absolutely stoked (and famished) as I burst through the door. 

There were no customers inside, which isn't the worst thing, as maybe the lunch rush was over. They're also really new, so maybe people don't know about them yet. 

There were three people working. One sweeping (he greeted me), one behind the counter, standing and eating, and one in the back, I assume cooking. 

I walked up to the counter and no one behind the counter acknowledged me. In fact, the guy who was eating didn't even look up. Instead, he repeatedly wiped his nose and mouth with his bare hands. Maybe he was eating something spicy, which could make that happen, but still, it was pretty gross. 

I turned to the guy who was sweeping, who at that point had moved closer to me, up by the counter. 

I asked him, "Do I order from you or from him?" 

Now, I assumed I should order from the other guy, but since he was ignoring me, I felt compelled to ask. 

He told me, "From him" and then said something in an unfamiliar language to the other guy. The other guy just shrugged. 

At this point, I walked out. I thought, as I neared the door, that someone would spring into action. I thought someone would realize they were about to lose a customer. 

No one did. 

I hope they figure it out. I truly do. But I'd never go near that place again. And, if anyone ever recommended it, I'd share my experience. 

It's really difficult to undo someone's first impression of you. Not what they thought of you based on how you look. Trust me, a lot of people see what I look like and think I'm going to be a lunatic. They'll often express surprise that I'm not. 

That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about your behavior, your communication, your kindness, your respect. 

What's the first impression you give potential customers? What about potential hires? What about when you step into a new role? What about with people you just met? 

You likely can't change what people will think about you initially based on your physical appearance. But you can certainly control your actions once you engage. 

Make a good first impression. It's pretty easy to do, and it goes a long way. And undoing a bad first impression is way harder than simply making a good one in the first place.