Make a Lasting Impression

Whether you are building a small business or are part of a large organization, here is a simple suggestion for creating an impression that will carry with it long-lasting value for years to come (corporate events, seminars, trade-shows, social gatherings, local events – wherever you want to create an impression).

I attended a trade-show shortly after Desert Storm and met General Schwartzkoff and had my photograph taken with him. I was a vendor and was not suppose to be a part of the photo op. But for some reason as they were setting up the prop, the General asked me to join him for a photo. I did; he signed the photo (which was also not a part of the deal); I returned to my booth. Each time I look at that picture I am struck as to how much I remember the experience. No thought is given to what I was wearing, how my hair looked, the smile, or those few extra pounds.

I guess this could be sounding like an endorsement to spend thousands of dollars to bring in a celebrity for a photo op. But nothing is further from the truth. My focus is on the word “experience”. It does not take a celebrity to create an impression, experience, or lasting memory. That can all be accomplished with a simple digital camera, an inexpensive photo printer and a little bit of creativity to set the right tone. The idea is to attract attention and create interest and getting people to participate in “getting a little crazy” can do that. The key is to develop a theme for what type of photo you want to take and then have some fun with it taking the focus away from “the photograph” and putting it on “the experience” which is where the lasting impressions reside.

With a few simple techniques, you can get these photos to come out right the first time every time, not leaving the photo op to chance. You give people a GREAT EXPERIENCE while attracting a ton of interest creating “Lasting Impressions”.