Tales From the Toolbox
Last week I ended my blog with the quote, “you have one chance at a first good impression.”? Finishing a goal that I set for myself, I passed an area that I ride my bicycle past almost religiously.? Passing over the area, I noticed that I can clearly see the imprint of four previous (different lanes) rides through the gravel and sand.? I was amazed that these marks were still visible and had not been erased!? Let’s look at how impressions can last a lifetime or at least for your career.
Starting my heavy equipment journey, I started life as a shop technician.? Learning all that I could and working my way into a field service role.? The role itself carried a lot of responsibility and needed care for the customer and territory.? I covered Oklahoma I-40 north to Great Bend Kansas and I-35 to Clayton New Mexico.? A large area to service, but very manageable.? Part of my job was diagnosing and fixing equipment, the other part was looking to help other customers in the area; this also helped generate additional revenue for my company.? This would be impression number one.? My company relied on the additional revenue and trusted me to do work above and beyond what I was expected to do.? Going the extra mile gave them a reason to compensate and also look at other career paths for me.??
As I moved out of the service role and into a sales role my focus shifted a little differently.? When I began to cover roughly the same area as a sales representative, the relationships that I formed as a technician helped me develop the territory even further.? Customers and companies that I serviced, trusted me not just for the service but knew I would go beyond the expectation to provide a total experience that was positive.? This is impression number two.? These impressions that I left as a technician, continued to help me through my new career path. Now, working with the manufacturer, whose equipment I sold and serviced, allows me to use these networks of clients to test and demo equipment.? Driving an even bigger impact to my business. ? I still receive calls about service questions and issues and have the honor to help consulate the customer in the purchase process.? Why?? I started with a first impression that lasted and solidified that reputation to go above and beyond.
领英推荐
You have a chance to make good first impressions everyday.? Even if it seems insignificant and meaningless you never know what impact your impression can make later.? Just like the tire marks in the sand on the road, those first impressions can last a lifetime.??
Keep learning and the world turning.
H.B.Kehnemund