Impressionalism. Have you heard of that word before? Well neither have I. I guess it is one of those words that I make up as I go.
Of course you know the word Impressionism from Art. This form of art was first begun in France and was and is a beautiful form of art work.
Of course you know the word impression. Making and impression. Your first impression. etc.and the wording that it is hard to change a first impression or make a second impression.
I was musing on this the other day. That first impression is so important. It stays with you for a long time. The first time someone calls into the dealership. How the phone was handled, how the person sounded, was he or she happy, friendly, kind, helpful, etc. You know that you can tell if someone is smiling or happy on the phone right? First impressions are very are to change and they make a big difference.
The first time someone comes into the store, showroom, into our bathrooms, into our offices, into the service lane and even drive onto the lot…..there are first and lasting impressions. How is it organized, is it clean, does it smell good, are people attentive, is it inviting? You know people, you and I, everyone has many senses and they can feel, hear, smell, and just experience so many things at first notice, first contact, first impression. Yes,……it is critical.
When I visit the stores randomly I also get first impressions. Do I see employees out back smoking? Do I see employees playing catch on the front showroom lot? Do I see employees playing frezbie on the back lot? Do I see a group over in the corner joking, laughing and maybe being a little more light hearted than should be? Do I see a messy or disorganized desk? Do I see litter on the ground or in the landscaping? Do I see employees sitting on parts boxes? Do I see employees avoid making eye contact or not acknowledging me or others in the vicinity? Well sadly I do, This all has an impression and sometimes a very long lasting one.
Think about it for a minute……………..Think.
If you see someone not making eye contact or greeting you with a smile what is your thoughts?
Not friendly…..not helpful….not professional….not caring……not wanted……
If you see someone playing frezbie on the back lot…..hey it is there lunch hour, no harm, no foul, you may think. But what is the impression……don’t care,……are not professional,…..are laxidazical,…..non attentive to the business……….not caring……..not looking to help the business……what is your impression?
How about a messy desk……don’t care……they will handle my business the same way……things will get dropped…..things will get lost……money will be dropped……what is your impression?
Please remember it is very hard to change a first impression in any given situation….work, home, personal, school, etc. First impressions sometimes make or break a relationship. First impressions are critical and very important and last a long time. Think about it.
Metanoia on your thoughts on first impressions.
Thank you all for working hard, trying hard, being successful. I am grateful for you all. Please work on your first impressions and I will work on mine too.
Love you all and have a Impressionistic day,
sysr
I especially agree with the ‘on break’ activities that are witnessed by patrons.
We all need to be very aware that our ‘audience’ uses these visuals and correlates it to how we conduct business. While we are in areas we share with our customers, we should always be ‘on stage’, whether we are on the clock or not.
Mr. Young,
I stopped by the dealership yesterday with my 5 year old daughter to get a few items done. When you came in and talked and joked with her you made a lasting first impression on her.
After you walked away I explained to her that you are my boss. She said to me, “now I know why you like working here, he is a really nice boss.”
Thank you for being the a great example of impressionalism. Taking a few minutes out of your busy day and acknowledging my little girl.
That first impression will be a lasting one for my daughter.
Thank you,
Colby
Agree. Checklist we did last week on our dealership brought up some areas for improvement. A little organization and focus had an immediate impact, and we still have a long way to go.
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
Doing a great job when there is no one watching means you really care about your job or the task on hand. but remember this……… There is ALWAYS someone watching. So make sure you are making that lasting impression!
My first week at Young Toyota impressed me when my co-workers, managers and service staff were friendly and professional. Reading through the Sales Excellence book taught me that there are many ways I can improve my impressionism and make a good first impression.
You really never will forget your first impression. It’s an uphill battle to make it better if it doesn’t start out good. I will make good first impressions by smiling, being attentive to a customer’s needs, and going the extra mile to make their initial experience exceptional
I just started working at CDJR in Burley. My first impression when I came in lead me to want to pursue working here. Had it been a terrible first impression, I would’ve had no desire to work here.
When I do my morning walk about for inventory im going to look harder at the lot itself for trash, issues with the cars in general. This is my store and I will treat it as such!