The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : All for that best impression

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 13, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

All for that best impression

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Every employee, especially those in front office jobs, projects the image of the organisation they work for.

For many potential customers and business partners, the first contact with the company may be a marketing executive or a receptionist.

Lasting impression

"The first few minutes create a lasting impression that cannot be easily repaired afterwards,'' cautions former human resources consultant M.K. Rao. If answering a question on the phone, make sure your voice sounds both cheerful and confident at the same time. No fumbling over words or too low a voice as if you are tired of the whole thing.

Visual appearance

For meetings in person, one's visual appearance matters a lot. "Clothing of course matters but that's not all. Being well groomed with neatly brushed hair if you are a man or with minimal make-up and a good hairdo and "serious dress" if you are a woman, matter a lot, Mr. Rao says.

Dress code

If your employer has a dress code, stick to it, however free thinking your attitude is. Those looking at climbing the corporate ladder are even advised to dress like their superiors. It tells them what your career goals are.

Outside the advertising and media circles, long hair or unkempt beards may not be welcome. A moustache needs to be regularly trimmed as is a beard if you sport one.

"Always cultivate the habit of knowing and remembering a person's name and designation. Addressing someone by the wrong name or designation can spoil a good business relationship,'' says management consultant K. Panduranga.

Lasting relationship

For a lasting relationship, making a note of birthdays and anniversaries too helps. One may send a card or convey greetings on the phone. Computer software now enables creating online directories with all details of clients and business associates and can be easily referred to so that you get the dates and addresses right.

Being cheerful, friendly and genuinely helpful always wins over people. Not a "pasted on smile," but a really warm one and an alert and attentive attitude.

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