Judge a Book by its Cover

Yes, that’s right. Ignore the old adage that you can’t do so.

Book covers have been consuming our time recently as we move along in our self-publishing process for our up-coming book, They Did What? Unbelievable Tales from the Workplace. There is so much to consider: artwork, font type, color. Will the thumbnail image stand out online? At one of the first Writer’s Digest conferences we attended, we heard a presentation by a designer who said you wanted to keep one word in mind, crap, and keep it in mind for a good reason. 

CRAP is an acronym for C=Contrast; R=Repetition; A=Alignment; and P=Proximity. These are all important elements of book cover design, in addition to the others we mentioned. It was at that point—over seven years ago—that we vowed to each other that when (not if) we finished and self-published what we thought would be our next book, we would definitely turn to the professionals and abandon any DIY thoughts.

Does the advice of don’t judge a book by its cover apply to people in the context of making first impressions? Perhaps, but let me share a recent experience.  

Since the spring of 2020, living and working from home has been a reality for all of us. Is working in pajamas, sweats, t-shirts and, shorts effective? You’ll have to judge that for yourself. Recently, I was getting ready for a day where I had two calls scheduled. The first an informal Zoom meetup with friends, and the second, an interview for a podcast on the Go To Meeting platform. I put on a nice, but plain, turquoise top and realized that some jewelry, which I’ve hardly been wearing lately, would dress it up. This was accompanied by, yes, a pair of shorts.

When I got on the Go To Meeting platform, I realized there were both audio and video components.  Although only the audio would be recorded, while I was talking to the host during the interview, I could see myself on camera. It gave the experience a more personal touch. The addition of the jewelry, I realized, gave me a more professional look and put me in the right mindset for the interview. I was judging myself by my own appearance, positive and professional. 

In these times, sometimes the little things, like a different shirt or the addition of accessories (other than a mask) can make the world of difference in how you feel about yourself. It’s an individual experience. For me, on that particular Friday, I can say that I didn’t look nor feel like, well, CRAP.

P. S. In the coming weeks, we should have a book cover for They Did What? Unbelievable Tales from the Workplace to share. 

First Impressions

I recently walked into a huge office complex for the first time and stopped for a moment looking for the building directory. I heard a voice behind me say, “Do you have a problem?” I didn’t think he could be talking to me but when he repeated the words, I realized he was – he was asking me if I had a problem.

I was stunned at his choice of words.  He must have thought he was being helpful, but he made me feel I’d done something wrong.  I certainly didn’t feel welcomed.

I politely explained that this was my first time in this building and I was a bit unsure of where I was to go. What I really wanted to say was no, I didn’t have a problem, but you certainly do.

It would have made such a difference to me if he’d said something like, “Can I help you find where you’re going” or “The building directory is to your left.”

Sure, we all have bad days when we say or do something that is out of character. Maybe on another day, this man would have welcomed me and been helpful rather than treating me like I was a problem he’d have to fix. However, I may not ever go to that building again and he’ll never have a chance for a do-over.

There was an old Head and Shoulders commercial that said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” How true that has turned out to be. We all need to be aware of what we say and how we say it so that the person we are interacting with, is left with a positive impression – even if the interaction is as short term as the guard in the example above. 

How about when you go for a job interview? What about your first meeting with a prospective client? Do you think about what you plan to say and how you plan to say it before your meet? If not, you may want to run your opening through your brain or practice it out loud a couple of times so the first impression you make is a positive one.

Now, don’t get me started about the habit so many people have of saying, “No problem” instead of “you’re welcome” when they are thanked!  I want to respond – “I know I wasn’t a problem” but I stop myself.  Yet, it is tempting!