Brown Bag Series – Create a Positive Lasting Impression
By Marlene Talasnik, Simplified Living, LLC
The Center City Proprietors Association (hereinafter known as “CCPA”) sponsored a wonderful presentation entitled “Create a Positive Lasting Impression” as part of its wellness-related brown bag series.
It was presented by Karen Kaufman, Co-Founding Principal of The Kaufman Partnership, Ltd. (hereinafter known as “The Kaufman Partnership”).
With her husband Don, The Kaufman Partnership has trained and coached thousands of managers and executives who are committed to increasing their organizational value by creating a more accurate impression of their ability to communicate and influence others.
As leaders in their field, they have identified and organized impression factors into the “Kaufman Impression Management System” (hereinafter known as the “System”)
The Box of Items
The presentation started with a box of items …some commonly used items (i.e., paper clips; scotch tape) and others unusual such as a slinky and an egg timer. Karen’s instructions were “pick the one item that would assist in creating an impression of yourself and your business”.
As we went around the room, each participant crafted a very interesting impression of themselves and their businesses using the item they had chosen. When it was my turn, I showed that I have a tendency to bend the rules a bit because I used three items to weave the story of Marlene Talasnik and Simplified Living, LLC.
Since Simplified Living, LLC was conceived to keep people on track by providing solutions to their monetary; legal; communicative; spatial; time management and infra-structure needs (i.e. paperwork and computer inboxes) , my props were a box of paper clips; an egg timer and a bottle of Purell. This is why I picked these items and why they express Marlene Talasnik and Simplified Living, LLC:
- As a Personal Business Provider, paper clips are never far away. They are a necessary item to have if you wish to de-clutter a cluttered area.
- An egg timer can express the finiteness of time with such visual clarity when time management is the issue at hand.
- And, what can I say about Purell…it is my savior…since most of my work environments would never pass a “white glove” inspection!
The exercise accomplished its goal …a playful way of learning who each of were and what they did. Although some impressions were more favorable than others…everyone had an identity!
The System
Next each of us completed an assessment. Then we briefly compared our assessments with partners of our choosing. When we were finished, each of us clearly sensed the following information:
- You are always making an impression;
- Success is determined by the perception created in the mind of yourself and others;
- Impressions can be learned through goal-directed Impression Management activities;
- Impression Management is a pre-requisite for meaningful business relationships;
- By managing your impression, you manage your relationships; and
- When you alter your impression, you alter your relationships.
Personal Note
I want to thank Karen for one the best presentations that I have had the pleasure of attending in a long time.
Upcoming Events Sponsored by The Kaufman Partnership
The Kaufman Partnership is conducting a one day program called Impression Management for Leaders. It is designed for individuals who have been identified as key organizational talent with the goal of supporting their success through combining their strong technical experience with an increased ability to relate well with their colleagues; staff and clients.
If you or someone you know would be interested in attending the program on July 22, 2009, call 215.592.9709 or register online at www.kpartners.com.
