Why Presence Really Does Matter
I was helping long-distance clients get quotes for a move, and a few companies came by the apartment I was selling to take a look. Each appointment lasted about 15 minutes. So, you might think, how much can someone really differentiate themselves in 15 minutes?
A lot.
Actually, maybe even more than in a longer meeting because there’s no time to hide, and you need to connect fast.
As the customer, you notice everything. Who was on time, who was organized, who clearly explained the process, and who assumed I already knew everything. Who looked me in the eye, who felt grounded, and who seemed like they were still trying to get themselves together.
Everyone was nice, and everyone had been doing this for a long time. But there was a clear difference between those who were dialing it in and those who treated it as an opportunity.
That’s presence.
It’s not about being loud or overly polished. It’s about being prepared, engaged, and fully in the moment.
When time is limited, how you show up is the impression.
This was a relatively small move, but there’s no such thing as a small job because every interaction is a chance to build a relationship.
So who did they choose? The one with presence.
In the end, that’s what built the trust.
