8 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

The other morning I was watching The Today Show - Weekend edition.  One of the stories was on the topic of making a Great First Impression.   Campbell Brown was interviewing a lady that walked down a list of 5-8 things to do before and during an interview to make them remember you.  I began thinking…(not always a good thing) ”Does this relate to the church?” and how?

I do think some of the items that were discussed in that story could be VERY helpful for churches as they make a first impression with first time guests.  I’ve always been told that we only have one shot at making a first impression.  I agree with that statement in a number of ways.  But, I also believe that you can continue to make a first impression in other levels and you can also continue to build upon that impression by the way you reinforce it with your actions.

I tried to find a copy of that story and was unsuccessful.  But, I found one in AskMen.com an online magazine.  Here are the 8 points listed in the article.  I’ve provided a link to the entire story below.

8 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

1. Have a proper handshake
2. Be on time
3. Be well-groomed
4. Use body language
5. Introduce yourself and ask for names
6. Look at their business cards
7. Make good conversation
8. Research the company

I’m going to try and see how these relate to the church in upcoming posts.  Here’s an my attempt at the first:

#1 - Have a Proper Handshake

A handshake is the first time that you physically touch those that come to your church.  It could be someone greeting at the front door to a parking attendant in the parking lot.  I’ve read a number of posts and or articles related to expectations that first time guests have when they attend a church.  One is friendliness.  A handshake is a form of greeting and can say a lot about the person.  In that story on The Today Show they listed three types of handshakes:

1. The “dead fish” - This was described as the handshake of the person that is dead and lifeless.  When you shake it it leaves you feeling cold, clamy, and wanting to let go as soon as possible.  So what is a “dead fish” handshake in church terms?
• No handshake at all.
• One that doesn’t really recognize the person.
• No one recognizes or greets them.
• There is no where for them to find information.
• Nothing to help them find their way.  The are on their own.
2. The “crusher” - this one is described at being overtly overdone.  They want you to recognize them and by all means you “will” remember the handshake.  So what is a “crusher” handshake in church terms?
• Running to the First Time Guest saying it’s so nice to finally have a new face Dogpiling them with the entire staff.
• Giving them more information than they desire at that point in time.
• Making them feel that there is despairation.  We’re dying and you are the answer to our problems.
• Going way overboard - asking them to stand up in church or your small group, putting a sticker on them recognizing them as a guest, not giving them space to find out things on their own, and more.
3. The “firm but friendly” - you guessed it, this is a combination of being welcoming and giving them the information they desire without going overboard.  So what’s the “firm but friendly” handshake in church terms?
• A personal greeting somewhere on the property - parking lot, front door of the church, at the worship center doors, etc.
• Having an “Information Center” where they can get more information.  Here’s a photo of our “Information Center.”

• Helping them answer their questions - don’t give too much or too little information here.
• Providing a tour of the church if desired.
• Taking them through the steps of finding places for family members in the nursery, children’s or student areas.  I mean personally taking them!

Those are just a few of my thoughts.  I’ll look at the other 7 ways in upcoming posts.  What do you think?  Is this a stretch?

From the article 8 Ways To Make A Great First Impression
by Thomas Anderson, Success Correspondent,  AskMen.com

Click on the following link to view all posts for: 8 Ways To Make A Great First Impression