First Impressions

How well do you understand how others perceive you and your business?

It’s undeniable – first impressions can make or break your future with a new client. Within that initial meeting, you are not only presenting yourself but also expressing the personality of your business as a whole. You are serving as the ‘face’ of all that your company stands for. Not a big deal, right?

Though it seems intimidating, an effective first impression can be achieved with some thought and a little practice. An interesting article on BusinessSphere.com discusses how a warrior makes a good impression – there are a few great points that can be applied to that first meet up with a potential client.

First, choose your battleground. Have that first meeting in an environment that will be conducive to your intended message. What services are you providing? What type of atmosphere best suits those services? Consider both formal and informal environments and decide which is most indicative of both your business style and what is necessary for that particular project. Coffee, lunch, conference room, or drinks – there are several arenas to choose from.

Next, relax. Abandon yourself, fear nothing. “When creating the first impression, don’t force the issue. Just be. Relax so that you can think clearly on the how.” True, the client is there to hear about the capabilities of your business, but they also want to know about you. Business is always better when you enjoy the company of those working with you. So try to loosen up a little and give them a smile that isn’t rehearsed – they will notice.

Remember, discard everything that is unnecessary. Potential business associates are not interested in being inundated with the finest details at this point. Things can be perfected and ironed out later. Again, this is the first impression – show the client what you are capable of without stuffing your sentences with jargon of the trade. They know you are the expert, there is no need to make a show of it. Give them the prettiest version of the basics. You can still show your capabilities without overwhelming them at such an early stage.

With a little effort, your business will be able to create a memorable experience for sales prospects. Show them that you will be a great firm to work with. Exhibit confidence and you will earn some in return.