In business as in life, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so you want to be doing everything you can to make sure it’s the right one. No matter what industry you work in, or what kind of client you’re meeting, making a good first impression can be the difference between business boom or bust, so here’s a guide to help you do just that.
Be Human!
Your goal is to get the client to trust you and hire you, but that doesn’t mean you should get right down to business or act like a robot reeling off a bullet-point list. Before you dive into the tech talk, take a few minutes to get to know your client. If you’re on a video call, ask about where they live or comment on a piece of art you love in the background. If you’re together in person, ask them how they like the coffee place or how their day’s been. In short, make small talk. It might seem beside the point, but building a rapport and really relating to your client in a human way helps smooth out potential conflicts in the first meeting and throughout the whole project. Don’t be a client and a businessperson – be two humans who may want to work together.
Upgrade Your Wheels
You work hard to present yourself well; you style your hair and dress sharp, but is your car letting you down? You want to give off an executive persona in everything you do, and your car should reflect that. Turning up to a client meeting or sales pitch in an old banger looks bad and could even negatively affect sales. If you pull up in a nice executive car, it could help you seal the deal. Check out LeaseCar.co.uk for a wide selection of BMWs – the ultimate executive car.
Confidence is Key
You can wear all the expensive clothes you like and drive a flash car, but it’s just no good if you’re not matching it with confidence in yourself. Clients will sense your confidence when they meet you, and they’ll likely think better of you and find you more personable – but take care not to seem arrogant, there’s a fine line and treading it is your new mission. Speak slowly and clearly, emphasizing words appropriately so that you’re clear and firm – but not as if you think they’re stupid! Know your facts and be able to reel off any figures as if it’s what you were born to do. You’ll be making connections and sales in no time.
About Carson Derrow
