MoT #1: First Impressions

1. What are First Impressions?

As MoT is all about "touchpoints" that potential and current members have with your club (and Toastmasters in general), the most obvious and potentially most important is the first impression. You've likely heard many sayings (or clichés) about how a good first impression can create huge impacts.

It's important to realize that first impressions are more than just when a prospect walks in the door and becomes a guest at your club. It can start far before they step into your meeting room. Let's take, for example, a guest who visits Toastmasters.org, finds your club website, then contacts your club either by e-mail or phone. Your prospects may also have previous contact with Toastmasters, either through websites, or by visiting other clubs. These are all "first impressions", some of which are out of your control, but most are within your ability to influence. 

When thinking about possible first impressions, consider the quality of your:

• Club's listing on Toastmasters.org and other sites
• Club's marketing site, especially the front page
  
• Response to e-mails and phone calls
• First time club visit experience and follow up

In this lesson we'll touch on how to evaluate and improve these.