I am Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.
When building a profitable practice, you must understand relationships are key. To build great relationships, you must make a great first impression. Making a great first impression isn’t always easy, but is well worth attempting as much as you can. To help you make it happen more often, here are three simple rules you should always follow. While they’re not the only great advice on making a good impression or a good first impression, they are the things that will have the biggest impact, whether you get them right or wrong. My suggestion is you get them right.
Rule #1: Dress to impress
Pay attention to what you’re wearing. This may seem very superficial, but that’s what first impressions are all about.
They are first quick judgment based on things like appearance. Overdressed just a little? If it’s an important first meeting — like going to a job interview or meeting future investors or business partners for the first time — at the very least, make sure that what you’re wearing is neat and flattering. Don’t go crazy. And when in doubt, go for something conservative. You can always let your personality shine after you’ve made that great first impression.
Rule #2: Be on time Another particularly important thing to remember, is to always be on time. It makes you look prepared and dependable. But there is another important reason for this. The world is made up of two types of people. The first group is a stickler for time. Being late is one of their biggest pet peeves. The other group has a looser interpretation of being on time and doesn’t mind waiting for someone for a few minutes or being late themselves. The problem is that you never know what camp the person you’re about to meet will fall into, ahead of time. So be prepared and make sure you get there on time, or even a little early. It’ll look good no matter how the person you’re meeting will feel about time. And it will keep you from making a bad impression with a time stickler. I personally set all my clocks 30 minutes ahead so that I minimize the risk of being late in the event some unforeseen circumstance arises.
Rule #3: Think before you speak
Finally, think before you speak. It’s easy to get nervous and just prattle on about anything and everything. It makes you look nervous and silly. Even worse, if you don’t think before you talk, it’s quite easy to put your foot in your mouth. Trust me, I’ve done it plenty of times. It’s not a good feeling and a quick and effortless way to warn the first impression. Pause and think your response through before speaking it.
Follow these three rules no matter who you’re meeting for the first time, and you’ll be sure to make a great first impression that will lead to a strong, lasting relationship.
—
You may be making your next first impression at a networking event. Check out our blog post here for tips on how to make that event a success.
—
I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Please go to businessofrehab.com/contractnegotiations to pick up the free guide to help you negotiate the contract of your dreams.
—
Attention, Physiatrists! Stop leaving money on the table. Sign up for the free video series: How To Build A Profitable Practice in 90 Days or Less: http://www.sixtytosuccess.com
