The lighting design firm that I’ve been running for ten years now got off on the wrong foot. To be more precise, the wrong shoe. I was called to a design brief with the architects and designers for my first mall project with one of the biggest developers in the country. I took off early not wanting to be late -no second chance to a first impression, they say. Cut to the chase, I had to switch cars because the first one I took off with was banned that day (number coding system). I always drive with a driving shoe (singular). With the switch, I forgot the shoes -keeping the driving shoe on one and the meeting shoe on the other.

Those in the elevator with me noticed them before I did. They just stared, I kept my composure. They probably understood my situation. I mean, put yourself in my shoes, right?

During the meeting, I took the right steps in making that first impression. The shoes didn’t play a role. The deal was signed.

Symmetry, uniformity, color combination -they may do well in helping start a business, but not always. Right attitude and good planning -these do always.

That was the start of my business and that client became my biggest.

I raise this cup and sing, "We’ve got it all for you."