opinios

It pays to be nice

I got a pleasant surprise in the post yesterday - a massive box containing some chocolates and a couple of bottles of wine in a very funky portably refrigerating bag. I was racking my brain trying to think who it could be from, until I found the attached gift card:

Matt, Thankyou for your hard work on the project, it was really appreciated. Every best wish for your future, I hope that you achieve great success.

It was signed by the senior executive at the (very large) client I finished up at a couple of weeks ago, after 15 months of weekend work, late nights and several all-nighters to get the project across the line.

The thing is, I only saw this person probably 4 or 5 times in that period. She wasn't based in the same building and didn't have much to do with the project from a hands-on point of view, as she was dealing with other management staff and arguing for funding at various stages. However I do remember the first time we met, I made an effort to be friendly, as I always do when I meet new people. I didn't know who she was at the time but obviously her first impressions of me were positive.

So remember: first impressions stick! Never underestimate the power of a friendly smile when dealing with a client.