What do we and our customers really remember?
How to create “memorable”
The other day I was having lunch with a good client who has become more of a friend than a client. She is an HR manager who has recently moved to an new accounting firm. She wanted to discuss the possibility of working with her new team as she felt they could benefit from soft skills training.
An interesting question
We spend some time catching up with each others lives. And then she asked me, “Joanne, as a corporate image consultant, you’ve delivered a lot of presentations, is there one in particular that stands out?” Interesting question … I had to think about this one for awhile.
Exotic is nice
Of course presentations in exotic locales like Tampa, Montreal or picturesque mountain lodges are special. But that’s not what stands out the most. More than anything, I’d have to say it’s the incredible people that we have the privilege of meeting that make a presentation most memorable.
This one didn’t look like a standout
Just last week Terry and I delivered an image, etiquette and business hosting presentation for a large local organization. The venue wasn’t spectacular, and the majority of people were there because they were told to be there. The good news is shortly after we got started I could feel the energy shift as they realized they weren’t going to be lectured to, that the afternoon would benefit them in both their personal and professional lives and that they would have some fun and laughter in the process.
Enter Susan
We had asked the organizer to invite an enthusiastic participant to assist with our business etiquette role play exercises and Susan stepped up. Susan is one of those people that lights up a room with her smile. She made the role play fun with her sense of humour. By the end of the afternoon, the audience was very responsive and we left feeling satisfied.
A good session
It was a good session where we had delivered on our promise to help them deal with some specific dress and etiquette issues. But we had also helped them build internal relationships and shift the culture to a more positive one. We were satisfied with the session and the client was happy with the results.
The power of individuals
I thought it was a good session but not a standout one in my mind. My opinion soon changed. A few days after the presentation Susan sent me “a gift” in the form of the nicest email. She revealed how much she valued the skills we shared that had helped to update her dress and etiquette and the confidence that instilled in her. She shared how she was able to put our hosting skills to work immediately and how she was looking forward to meeting a “Mr. Boring” so she could practice the graceful conversation exit we had taught her.
When presentations become gifts
She ended her note with “I really enjoyed meeting you, sometimes you just meet people and establish an instant warmth and rapport – I felt that with you.” Wow, that reminded me of why I love what I do. Don’t you find that your job and your business becomes meaningful and memorable because of other people. And for me, that’s the biggest gift of all, knowing we make a difference in people’s lives and they in ours.
Other Articles:
- Executive Etiquette Power eBook
- Savvy networking skills, the key to connecting in business and life.
- Are your business dining skills sabotaging your success?
Posted by Joanne Blake – Image consultant, etiquette expert and speaker