First impressions are huge. When kicking a job off or meeting with a client, designer, sub or vendor the first time, how do you want to be perceived? You should be true to yourself but you should consider focusing on the character and personality traits that are most valued by the people you are meeting. Meeting a sub who does demolition or mass grading? They might not be to concerned with your educational background but might like to know about your field experience? Meeting with a client who hasn't spent much time in the field or has quite a bit of education? You might consider discussing any unique education or certification backed credentials you have. Shape these accomplishments in a way that proves you understand their perspective while demonstrating the project and the field work is in good hands with you.
I've heard "you are only as good as your last project (impression)" on more than one occasion. Once we get past the first impression barrier, the only impression that usually matters is the last one. How did the last project go? How did startup and commissioning go? Did closeout and punchlist work happen quickly and correctly? Did the client feel they could trust the construction pros on the project? Lots of factors can impact the last impression so we should work to make a good one from the first impression, through procurement and preconstruction, during the stresses and strains of construction and, especially, when we are finishing up an giving the client "the keys" to their new car.
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