Databound drop down list - initial value

Question

How do I set the initial value of a databound drop down list in ASP.NET?

For instance, I want the values, but the first value to display should be -- Select One ---

Answer 1

What I do is set the text property of the drop down list AFTER I databind it. Something like this:

   protected void LoadPersonComboBox()
    {
        var p = new PeopleBLL();

        rcmbboxEditPerson.DataSource = p.GetPeople();
        rcmbboxEditPerson.DataBind();
        rcmbboxEditPerson.Text = "Please select an existing person to edit...";
    }

This makes the initial visible value of this dropdown show up, but not actually be a part of the drop down, nor is it a selectable.