Many of us don’t like to admit it, but success in business, is all about making the right first impression, and usually you only get one chance to do this. It seems a little unfair, I know, but this is how business decisions are made, and even though you might have the best product or service on the market, if potential customers don’t get the right first impression from you or your business premises, then they will take their business elsewhere. It is necessary to get people to see your best side, and the best side of your business, and so you need to make the right decisions at the beginning.
It’s the simple things that matter.
It could be something as simple as a reception area in your business property, and it may all depend on whether or not, you have chosen the right patterned floor tiles for that area. It may sound superficial, but it is a reality, and the reception area in any business is where potential customers make up their minds, if they like your business or not. There are other ways to best introduce yourself and your business to potential clients that should leave a positive and long lasting first impression. The following are some ways in which you can do that.
- Show a real interest – It’s important that you just don’t jump right into business mode and start trying to sell your product or service to a potential client. Get to know them a little bit more first, and be more personable. Ask them their name, and what it is that they do. People are happy when you show a genuine interest in them, and anything that they tell you at that point, can be used later, when you want to make your sales pitch.
- Remain confident – Don’t be afraid to give a firm handshake and to maintain eye contact. People generally enjoy being around confident people, and they enjoy talking to them as well. Listen to them and show a genuine interest in what they have to say, and try to learn a little bit more about them.
- Find common ground – Networking is all about building real relationships with others, and you want this to be a memorable moment. It isn’t all about just exchanging business cards and talking shop. It is about establishing real relationships that will last long into the future.
- Focus on your body language – Any successful business person will tell you, that it isn’t really about what you say, but about what you don’t say, and this can be projected in your body language. A great smile can project 1000 words, and eye contact is essential.
Remember, creating the right first impression isn’t always about you. Try to make your first meeting all about them, and focus on what it is that they need, and what they want. You need to be a better listener, than you are a talker. Follow this advice, and you will definitely make the right first impression for your business.
