Take it a Step Further...

I love how every part of the country has become associated with certain images! The mid-Atlantic has metropolitan cities like New York, Philadelphia, and DC; the south has small hospitable towns; the mid-West has its endless corn fields; and New England white picket fences lining a gravel road in front of an old white clap-board building. During a recent visit to New England I came across such a "traditional" scene!

When I first saw this fence I thought I was in one of Robert Frost's poems. I had just stepped out of an event that I was attending - which was being held in an old white Church built the year Abraham Lincoln was born...utterly amazing - when I caught site of this fence. Making the setting even more quintessential was the stone wall on the opposite side of the gravel road! Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by "New England": tiny churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, inviting Cape Cod homes, and massive trees stretching out over the street!

As much as I enjoyed seeing the stereotypical sights, I also reveled in the unexpected. Driving around I noticed the old town library converted into a little cafe - which serves fresh, delicious sandwiches - or the hot dog window at the end of a tiny strip mall! Who would have thought!

Many times the unexpected parts of life can be the most rewarding. When developing your business or role within a company don't be afraid to give people a little something they did not expect. Everyone has in mind what a specific company should offer or how the employees should appear/behave. For example a video production company is expected to have a firm understanding of audio/video equipment and capable of creating any desired video project. They are also perceived to be full of tech guys who work in cubicles listening to classic rock. While Golden Pepper does have a broad knowledge of equipment and can produce quality videos, the stereotypes pretty much end there. What better way to catch someone's eye than to do things in a way totally unimagined before.

Maybe consider a different method/location to meet with potential clients - travel to their office instead having them come to you?

Go out on a limb and hire staff that is not the "traditional" employee for that field...he/she could potentially bring a fresh outlook to the business.

How about offering a unique parting gift - no, not just a pen with the company logo - that no one would expect to receive from you.


While it is comforting and reassuring to receive what you expect in life, most times the most memorable experiences come from the unexpected.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

...at the last moment

Perhaps it is fitting that after last week’s blog I came across this sign during a recent shoot. The “garden gate” made me consider more about the initial meeting, but what about the final impression - what is the last thing people see or think as they “exit”. In everyday life, as well as business, the parting words/sight could be just as important as the introduction.

Think about those times you have gone out with family or friends, had a great evening laughing and catching-up, then something unforeseen happens and threatens to ruin the night. Whether it be the cup of coffee a server spills on you during dessert or the guy that nearly causes an accident in the parking lot as you drive home. Both are fairly trivial, but if they happen towards the end of the evening they could, unfortunately, make you forget all of the fun you had previously. Isn’t that completely aggravating?

With these scenarios in mind doesn’t it seem more important to consider those parting words. This particular business understands how important it is to show appreciation for its customers, thereby encouraging them to come back. When a company shows respect and appreciation for its customers they usually build a strong reputation. People have certain expectations of service when spending their hard-earned money at an establishment. So, shouldn’t the last thing they see or hear walking out the door be positive and friendly?

The same applies for business-to-business: even though an employee might be spending the company’s money they are still not going to give it to a business that is disrespectful and shows little appreciation for its patrons. If you focus hard on presenting a welcoming entrance to entice people inside you should focus equally as hard on the exit!


What sort of thing has happened to you at the last minute, creating a bad feeling for an individual or business?

How much more likely are you to return to a business who was friendly and thanked you for coming in?


Sometimes a little effort in the way of respect goes a long way!

That’s the Golden Perspective...what’s yours?

...within the first five seconds

What a welcoming entrance! I came across this gate, which serves as an entrance to a garden, and thought it created such an inviting atmosphere. The wrought iron gate flanked by vibrant green bushes, preceded by a canal of rocks, was a perfect way to enter a colorful Spring garden. I was definitely enticed to go in and take a look!

Once inside I realized the entrance was just the beginning...the garden was quite picturesque. I saw Spring flowers just starting to break through the ground (this picture was taken a couple of weeks back when winter seemed as though it would never end...), rolling green grass perfect for taking a nap, and birds perched on tree branches serenading visitors. I started to think about how important that first impression truly can be.

Upon first meeting someone, that initial impression either makes him/her feel welcome and comfortable talking with you, or completely disinterested and ready to run away. It's so amazing how a simple smile or laugh can create a welcoming atmosphere, easing any discomfort. Then, when you meet someone else, how often do you say to yourself, "That person is so friendly...I feel like I've known him(or her) for years!". Usually the most outgoing people are the individuals always surrounded by large groups of friends.

When going about your work day, isn't the same thing true? Shouldn't you present a friendly demeanor so colleagues are encouraged to work or do business with you? For business owners the same idea holds true - if you have an office you should always make sure your front entrance (much like the garden gate) is welcoming and encourages people to come in for a visit.


What do you do throughout the day that encourages individuals to approach you?

How does the entrance to your office/store say, "Come in, we would love to meet you!"

Do you consider, during the day, how every first impression could lead to future success?


I guess what it all comes down to is how you want others to remember their encounter with you come the end of the day...

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?