Impressions! That’s what counts
Imagine a long corridor with several doors to pass before finally reaching your destination.
“You have 7 seconds, Andreas!” the Communication trainer said.
“Seven seconds?” I replied. “Yes, that’s right. You’ve got 7 seconds.”
WOW – it takes only 7 seconds to establish if we like or dislike somebody.
Within this short timeframe, we humans just know, a gut feeling so to speak if somebody we meet for the first time seems to be likable or not.
All this runs completely on autopilot — thanks to our intuition.
The first door only opens when we are perceived as likable.
If we can’t get the first door to open we don’t need to even think about the other doors.
However, just for the fun of knowing:
Some doors need to be pushed, others to be pulled, and you’ve got only one try! Each door has its own timeframe to be opened during our walk, to establish likeability and trust, which leads to a successful outcome.
Now, back to the first door.
“So, what can be done to encourage a positive view and reception?
What can I do to be sure other people find me positive, likable and trustworthy?” I asked my communication coach.
“The first impression is what counts” was his short answer.
How will you be perceived? Will you make the right impression?
One thing is clear – you will be ‘judged’. Every time!
The coach dove deeper into it and some realities of our talk are embedded here.
When meeting in person the first signal is what we see.
The visual – impression.
We cannot NOT communicate. We ARE all constantly sending out signals.
Hence, it is important to make ourselves aware that
every successful communication depends on:
10% of what we say
35% of how we say it
55% is non-verbal
We all want to be seen in the best light possible.
We like to measure up to expectations.
We like to be accepted.
“You never get a Second Chance to make a first impression!”
is an old adage bearing great wisdom.
In any kind of relationship, we are at all times being measured
by what we say and actually do.
Think about your very first date back in school.
What kind of clothes did you choose?
Where did you meet?
Was it indoors our outside?
Did you take a shower to be sure that you smelled good?
What was the topic you chose to be sure to have a nice conversation?
A lot of prep work had to be done – because you knew – You never get
a second chance to make a great first impression.
The same is true for Business Relationships.
Your haircut, your choice of clothing and accessories – all that matters.
Your belt, your cuffs, your shoes, your necktie, your watch and maybe some jewelry – everything is part of your personal Brand.
You want to make certain that you express yourself in the best way possible
and deliver a great impact during your meeting and presentation.
Your manner counts, your body language, your ability to communicate and express your ideas.
You want to be Impressive.
You want to positively stand out.
When companies are creating marketing campaigns the objective is to grab attention and deliver a message – a message that appeals to the needs of their target market.
Companies want not only to make a great impression but also to deliver a
a constant flow of important messages. And that’s the reason why in business and marketing — Impressions are what count.
The promotional industry offers a million different swag items.
The goal is to make sure that the Logo and message (Slogan) is being seen again and again – impression after impression. Repetition en masse will ensure that the Brand and/or message will be imprinted in the mind of the target group.
Advertising only works when the message is burned deep into the thought of the consumer.
Impression is was count most.
So how many impression can you get using a promotional item?
It depends!
Let’s clarify this…
If you use billboard advertising, placed on the busiest highway, you will reach a huge audience.
Thousands of drivers will pass by and be exposed to that image every day.
Yes, this is a great way to create brand awareness.
You could decide to use t-shirts with your logo on it, or tote-bags, and basketball caps, to name a few of the most used promotional item.
But using what everybody else is using…
…does that make you stand out in a crowd? – absolutely NOT!
Are you getting a great number of impressions with those tools?
Sure you do!
Is the number of impressions the only thing that counts?
Nope!
Why are impressions NOT the only factor you need to pay attention to?
That’s easy to explain…
Ask yourself: What will be the perceived value to the recipient of a yet another imprinted basketball cap, logo-pen or t-shirt?
This reminds me of Christmas when I was a little kid and got handed my Christmas present. A nicely wrapped gift from a relative… just another pair of socks – Wow… how exciting…
And as a grownup unwrapping yet another set of bathroom towels – so useful and thoughtful. Thanks, Auntie Mae!
Don’t be like Auntie Mae. Give a thoughtful gift. A gift that shows how much you value the other person, AND values their time and commitment spent to make your company and business thrive and get better and better.
Now to the point – How does a basketball cap imprinted with your Logo and maybe an added slogan, really represent the time and effort put forth to express your acknowledgment of their value to your company?
Everything that is measurable can be improved upon.
So, let’s get some numbers into this and have a closer look.
According to PPAI and ASI (Industry leader for promotional products)
the average number of impressions over the ‘lifetime cycle’ is as follows:
Note: These numbers will vary from year to year (* Stand: ASI 2016)
Compare this with Custom Logo Watches:
* Promo Item | Monthly usage | Lifetime in month | Total impression ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pens 18.2 6 2,805 Bags 5.8 7 5,772 Shirts 3.1 6 2,450 Caps 3.9 7 3,135
Watches 20-30 24 24,300
Only the FACTS:
The numbers speak for themselves. Now, this makes it easier to decide which item will deliver the best ROI for your next marketing campaign.
Making Impressions and Being Impressive – A powerful combination leading to best possible results.
Using Logo Watches will provide you with a powerful Competitive Advantage.
Click on the link to take a look at:
Corporate Logo Watches For Men – Stainless Steel IP Gold
