Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Sometimes the best FIRST impression is a LAST impression

When I interviewed with the WSJ a few weeks back, the article addressed the narrow window in which people have to make first impressions: 10 seconds? 5 seconds? 2 seconds?

Whatever. Just remember that it's quick.

But also remember that some of our most UNFORGETTABLE first impressions come from our LAST impressions.

By that I mean, "The last words out of your mouth during the final transaction with a customer."

For example, when I stayed at the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego last week, I made notes about various interactions with the hotel staff. Throughout the weekend, everything was awesome. But when I checked out, one of the concierge staff (Liz) said something I'll never forget.

"Checking out Scott?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure...?" she smiled.

"Ha ha...nice. Yeah, I'm sure. Gotta get back home," I replied.

"Oh-kaaaay..."

In all my years of traveling, I've NEVER heard a front desk attendant say something like that before. I thought it was awesome. Fun, memorable and welcoming. Most importantly, it was the last touch point during my stay. The last chance to project approachability to a guest.

And it was UNFORGETTABLE.

LET ME ASK YA THIS...

How can you make your closing lines more memorable?

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
Author/Speaker/That guy with the nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com

6 comments:

My favorite way to end a story or conversation (especially when someone is walking into the room as I'm ending it) is with:
"...and THAT'S where babies come from!"

Need I say more? :)

So Scott, I've been reading your blog for quite some time now. I'm a friend on your MySpace. I "dig" what you're sayin'

When I read what you had to say this morning, I laughed. I'm working on this blog for my boss at Touchpoint Metrics-and this post is the style, the content and the story we are focusing our whole angle on. (Personal encouters specifically talking about the touchpoints, both good and bad, that we encounter) I would love for you to check it out when we go live with it.

Remember, all a company is to their customers-is their touchpoints...

Keep rocking it man!

"You are loved..." Says it all.

Great post, Scott! That got me thinking about my final meetings with my web design clients who decide not to have me maintain their site. Now I'm going to develop a guide with tips on how they can maintain it without me, and give that to them during our last meeting.

Hmm... Maybe I can make it available as a free ebook on my website as well...

Just got a great email from my friend Mary who said:

Yesterday, I ate at the Elephant Bar at West. Co. Mall, (St. Louis) and the worker who held the door open for us as we left said, "See you same time tomorrow, right?" He had a huge smile on his face! Another surprising way to say goodbye!

Mary Cunningham
Director, Volunteer Services
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center


Thanks Mary!