Post by The Big PINK One♥ on Aug 20, 2007 14:25:06 GMT -5
You know I wish I would've read this a few weeks ago, lol 
In business, you have a finite amount of time to make a lasting impression on decision makers. Sometimes, despite the best of intentions, you'll fail to make a positive impression. You said the wrong thing. You were late. You blew it.
In this case, you have a few options. You can brush it off. You can convince yourself that no one noticed. Or you can be proactive and try to make it better. You can ask for forgiveness (if necessary) and a second chance.
The Proactive Approach
First step: apologize. Offer a very brief explanation. Acknowledge what you did wrong. Then ask for a second meeting. "I'm sorry I didn't have the materials prepared for our meeting yesterday. This meeting was very important to me, and I would love the chance to speak with you again. Do you have any time next week?"
In cases in which you have trouble reaching the other person by phone, which is the preferred method of making things right, consider leaving a voice mail or sending an e-mail. You can clearly explain what went wrong -- again, brevity is a must -- and what you would like to go going forward.
Handle this message as you would if you had that person live on the line. Do not beat up on yourself or refer to yourself as an idiot or moron. Close by suggesting days and times when you will be available. "I would really like to meet with you again. Would you have any time next Wednesday or Thursday?"
The Fumble -- Are You Sure?
If you know for sure that you fumbled, replay the conversation in your mind and share the details with a trusted friend to determine if it was really as you imagined it to be. Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves, and in reality the other party didn't notice anything awry. Before admitting that you goofed, be sure that you really did.
In such a case, send a note or place a call saying, "I realize I wasn't myself yesterday. I don't have an excuse to offer you, but I'm hoping you'll consider meeting with me again. I just need a second chance to make a better impression. Would you please consider this request?"
Another way to compensate for messing up the first time is to focus on the needs of the other person and how you're uniquely qualified to meet them. Suggest a solution to a problem that was discussed during the initial meeting; this solution should demonstrate your added value. Draw on past work experience and give examples of your successes.
Dealing With Tardiness
You don't want to make a negative impression before you even arrive. If you know you'll be late to an interview or meeting, don't keep staring at the clock hoping that you'll somehow make it in the nick of time. Instead, call in advance and notify someone of your delay.
Provide a realistic time frame in which you expect to arrive, and be sure it is ample. "I'm so sorry about this, but I'm stuck in traffic, which means I won't be there for about 20 minutes. I hope a half hour delay won't inconvenience you too much. I have all the materials for a terrific presentation, so I promise it'll be worth this unexpected wait."
Always Present Your Value
If you didn't put your best foot forward the first time -- maybe your presentation was weak, or you came across as moody -- focus on establishing your professional value after the fact. For example, were you recently featured in the press? Has your work been cited for excellence? Send a copy of the honor with a positive note sharing your excitement about the award, but avoid boasting.
Your continued good work will speak for itself. Do you have a Web site that highlights your professional accomplishments? Send the link. Don't expect immediate feedback, but know that you are developing rapport and working to polish an image that might have been slightly tarnished.
In business, you have a finite amount of time to make a lasting impression on decision makers. Sometimes, despite the best of intentions, you'll fail to make a positive impression. You said the wrong thing. You were late. You blew it.
In this case, you have a few options. You can brush it off. You can convince yourself that no one noticed. Or you can be proactive and try to make it better. You can ask for forgiveness (if necessary) and a second chance.
The Proactive Approach
First step: apologize. Offer a very brief explanation. Acknowledge what you did wrong. Then ask for a second meeting. "I'm sorry I didn't have the materials prepared for our meeting yesterday. This meeting was very important to me, and I would love the chance to speak with you again. Do you have any time next week?"
In cases in which you have trouble reaching the other person by phone, which is the preferred method of making things right, consider leaving a voice mail or sending an e-mail. You can clearly explain what went wrong -- again, brevity is a must -- and what you would like to go going forward.
Handle this message as you would if you had that person live on the line. Do not beat up on yourself or refer to yourself as an idiot or moron. Close by suggesting days and times when you will be available. "I would really like to meet with you again. Would you have any time next Wednesday or Thursday?"
The Fumble -- Are You Sure?
If you know for sure that you fumbled, replay the conversation in your mind and share the details with a trusted friend to determine if it was really as you imagined it to be. Sometimes we're too hard on ourselves, and in reality the other party didn't notice anything awry. Before admitting that you goofed, be sure that you really did.
In such a case, send a note or place a call saying, "I realize I wasn't myself yesterday. I don't have an excuse to offer you, but I'm hoping you'll consider meeting with me again. I just need a second chance to make a better impression. Would you please consider this request?"
Another way to compensate for messing up the first time is to focus on the needs of the other person and how you're uniquely qualified to meet them. Suggest a solution to a problem that was discussed during the initial meeting; this solution should demonstrate your added value. Draw on past work experience and give examples of your successes.
Dealing With Tardiness
You don't want to make a negative impression before you even arrive. If you know you'll be late to an interview or meeting, don't keep staring at the clock hoping that you'll somehow make it in the nick of time. Instead, call in advance and notify someone of your delay.
Provide a realistic time frame in which you expect to arrive, and be sure it is ample. "I'm so sorry about this, but I'm stuck in traffic, which means I won't be there for about 20 minutes. I hope a half hour delay won't inconvenience you too much. I have all the materials for a terrific presentation, so I promise it'll be worth this unexpected wait."
Always Present Your Value
If you didn't put your best foot forward the first time -- maybe your presentation was weak, or you came across as moody -- focus on establishing your professional value after the fact. For example, were you recently featured in the press? Has your work been cited for excellence? Send a copy of the honor with a positive note sharing your excitement about the award, but avoid boasting.
Your continued good work will speak for itself. Do you have a Web site that highlights your professional accomplishments? Send the link. Don't expect immediate feedback, but know that you are developing rapport and working to polish an image that might have been slightly tarnished.
