Always Be 15 Minutes Early

by John Keyser

Years ago, I read a quote, “The secret to my success is that I always try to be 15 minutes early.” I thought about that, and it seemed to make a lot of sense. So I typed that on a small card and put it in my wallet.

I carried that card for many years, and of course read it often when I reached into my wallet for money, credit cards and business cards. While the card became frayed, it had served me well, and I kept it until it began to fall apart from wear.

The principle of being early continues to serve me well.  It could well be as valuable as any advice I have ever received.       

Alisa Parenti, an outstanding business news anchor on MarketWatch Radio, recently read a piece I authored about following the principle of being early, and she arranged a short interview with me, which will air on February 1^st. I am thrilled that Alisa’s interview will bring the “be early” principle attention. I am a student of leadership and management in business, and I am disappointed to say that among the hundred plus books and countless articles and papers I’ve read on the topic, seldom do I read any mention of how much being early matters!

Good things happen when you are early. For example, often, when I show up for a meeting with a client, a prospective client, an underwriter, or a potential donor, they see me, seem impressed that I am already there, and sometimes come over and chat for a few minutes.  And sometimes the administrative assistant of the person I am to see will speak with me, and even at times pass on some advice, e.g., “She is harried today, best you deliver your bottom-line message quickly,” or some other important heads-up advice.

Being early also shows eagerness and respect.  Often in business people are swayed by a gut feeling: “Who wants to wants our business the most?”

Even getting to internal meetings early helps set a tone. It’s contagious. And it offers opportunities to engage with others, building rapport. Remember, business is all about genuine relationships.

Two years ago, I was meeting with a CEO for the first time. We were meeting in a hotel lobby. I arrived 20 minutes early and was sitting in a chair in the lobby when he walked in a few minutes later. When he took out his phone to call me and let me know he had arrived, he saw me answer my phone and smiled when he realized I was already there. Before we finished our coffee, he asked about how we might work together. I am convinced that the early impression created by the fact that I, like him, had arrived early helped us establish rapport.

Please believe, this is very valuable advice. Try to be 15 minutes early, always!