First Impressions in Business

Study Notes

First impressions are crucial for building successful business relationships.
A company's image is like an orchestra; no single element is responsible for success.
First impressions are formed from several intangible factors, including reputation, principles, professionalism, creativity, and initial warmth.
Cultural differences can influence first impressions (e.g., Finns dislike extravagance, Ghanaians prefer innovation, Qataris value personal rapport).
Positive first impressions can create a favorable feeling in a few seconds leading to successful business relationships.
Negative impressions can be formed equally quickly.

Extravagance: something that is expensive or wasteful.
Creativity: the ability to produce something using imagination or artistic skills.
Professionalism: a high standard of skill and behavior.
Rapport: friendly understanding.
Innovation: new ideas or methods.
Reputation: the views generally held about somebody or something.
Principles: strong beliefs that influence actions.
Tradition: a way of doing something that's existed for a long time.

Matching phrases and descriptions related to first impressions and business interactions.
Example: "They'll be easy to work with - they certainly have..." matches to "a reputation for good communication with clients."

Example matching exercises involving phrases from the provided texts.
Example matches:
- "They’ll be easy to work with– they certainly have..." links to "a reputation for good communication with clients."
- "If your office is clean and tidy, it creates..." links to "a more modern image."

Matching words in lists with correct definitions, showing comprehension of concepts like professionalism, rapport, innovation, and reputation.
Examples:
- "pceslipnri" could be rearranged to "professionalism."

Key phrases for introducing yourself, making follow-up calls, and arranging meetings.
For email and call communication.
Examples:
- Introducing yourself: "My name's ... and I (have/ work for)..."
- Making a follow-up call: "Hello, this is..."
- Responding to a follow-up call: "Yes, I remember..."

The present simple is used to describe routines, permanent situations, and habits.
Example: "I usually arrive at work at about 8.30."

The present continuous is used to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking and ongoing, temporary, or future events.
Example: "I am writing a report on the takeover."

Stative verbs describe states, not actions, and are generally used in the simple form.
Examples: know, agree, look, see, prefer, want, own, belong, taste.