By Michelle Blair

The Global Pandemic has modified how we think, how we feel, and how we react in all sorts of situations. The world has changed and so our mindset needed to change along with it. While I am still a believer in the old adage__ You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression…, what is acceptable now is a more relaxed and realistic presentation style. We have all come through this with a new sense of business acumen.

Pre March 2020, making a great first impression was one of the key factors to stress in preparation for a business meeting or conference call with a new client. The way we presented ourselves was as critical as what we were about to say. Our manner of dress, speaking style, and appearance of professionalism, resonated with our clients and associates. They were ready and anxious to hear us talk about whatever topic we were going to be discussing.

In the May-June 2015 issue of the Register, I wrote an article that stated:

When you walk into a room to meet a new prospect, strategic partner, or center of influence, it is critical that you a make a great first impression. This is not only the way you act, walk, dress, or speak, but how you carry the conversation. Is it me, me, me, or them, them, them? Your people skills in greeting someone will be remembered long after the purpose of the conversation fades.

Now fast forward to March 2020. The COVID-19 Pandemic hit and revamped the entire idea of a first impression. We were all forced into hosting Zoom meetings to conduct business with clients and associates. We could go an entire day dressed in our pajamas on the bottom, if, the part of our body that was on camera was appropriately embellished. Men stopped shaving and grew COVID-19 beards — and no one even noticed. With everyone working from home, suddenly, hearing our co-worker’s children in the background or their dogs barking during a meeting, became normal and acceptable. We became unphased by this as we moved further into the pandemic. Managing to conduct business as usual was anything but usual! Wow — didn’t we adapt! We concluded that there was no choice since COVID-19 forced us to relax, rethink, and restructure our work environments. Our homes became offices and our offices remained empty. At the same time, we learned that we were all in this together and had to maintain composure during this terrible situation — and you know what?? Our clients and associates still wanted to hear what we had to say…even though we may have been wearing our pajamas as part of our attire!

Now as the Pandemic gets better day by day, there is less stress about our work environments. We have adjusted and do well on Zoom calls and the majority is accepting of it. Of course, how you present yourself, whether it be in person or on video, is still a factor to consider, but it may be a long time before we emphasize the first impression as being as critical as it once was. Yes, the entire country has changed, businesses have changed, our ability to accept change has changed.

As we heal economically, medically, and emotionally, how we see the importance of different aspects of our businesses will keep evolving. What is of more value to our clients and associates is how the relationship is handled. This Pandemic has taught us all many things. Each one of us knows someone who has suffered during this time and we now appreciate the little things in life. The reality of companies closing and workers losing their incomes became a personal issue that clients needed to confront. They required and received help from their financial consultants. Showing them that you were there for them as their trusted advisors, was comforting during a serious financial and emotional time. Your advice was critical.

Michelle K. Blair, RFC®

Michelle K. Blair, RFC® is an office administrator specializing in management and relationship building. She is on the Board of Trustees of the IARFC as well as the Secretary of the Financial Planning Association, Long Island Chapter. Michelle devotes quite a bit of time to promoting professional and personal growth in the industry. Contact: (516) 639-5078 michelleblairrfc@gmail.com

If you want to make a good first impression, smile at people. What does it cost to smile? Nothing. What does it cost not to smile? Everything, if not smiling prevents you from enchanting people.