Making a good first impression can be a pressurizing task, especially when you realise you only have seven seconds to make said impression. But whether you’ve got a big business deal coming up or a job interview to pass, we’ve got the best advice all gathered up for you.
Always be on time
Time is money, so if you’re not punctual, you’re telling your client their time isn’t worth much to you! If your meeting is planned for a set time, turn up early. America’s former president, Eisenhower, was famous for his ‘when to arrive for a meeting’ philosophy, which meant that if you weren’t 10 minutes early for the meeting, then you were late.
Being early allows you some time to settle down before the meeting too. Both of these factors can be crucial if you need to present to your potential clients.
Scrubbing up well
Right or wrong, people will judge you based on what you’ve chosen to wear to a meeting. After all, if the shoe was on the other foot, do you think you would pay attention and sign a contract if the person standing in front of you was unkept? Probably not, so steer clear of those Converse trainers and ripped jeans — it’s important to dress like the professional you are trying to portray yourself as.
Men also need to look sharp for their meeting. A nicely fitted suit with clean — emphasis on clean — shoes will give the impression that you are proud of your appearance and are likely to take pride in your client’s needs, too. Women can also benefit from tailored clothing of conservative colors and patterns. Dark grey or navy suits should be the go-to for your outfit choice.
Consider body language
Positive body language can really be a powerful asset in making a first impression. Be sure to smile, shake everyone’s hand who is in the meeting and keep good eye contact. Smiling will put potential clients at ease, offering a warm impression of yourself, while firmly shaking hands can command respect. Keeping eye contact portrays you as a positive person, while those who avoid eye contact can sometimes be seen as being ‘shifty’ or rude — not ideal for a business meeting!
Be clear and confident
Mumbling will really ruin your first impression. Nobody likes needing to continuously ask what it was you said. If this happens, your client could become frustrated, which will take away from all the good that may occur in your meeting. Having an accent won’t matter as long as you are clearly annunciating your words. By speaking clearly, it’s easy to get your point across and it will make your meeting run more smoothly and, let’s face it, the smoother the meeting, the more likely you are to land that elusive deal! It also allows you to build a relationship via small talk. Again, speaking clearly enables this to happen, as if they don’t understand you, they won’t engage.
Picking your transport
You can start building your first impression from the carpark. We’ve all heard of stereotypes revolving around certain types of car, but did you ever think about how this may affect any potential business deals? Audis are often stereotypically linked to businessmen and women, meaning that those who drive an Audi A7 are thought to be in the business industry. This can have a positive impact on any potential clients who see you pull up!
See — that was easy! A quick five-step plan to help you land that all-important business deal. Remember, don’t drive a ‘boy-racer’ style car to your meeting, arrive early, dress snappy, be open and friendly, and make sure everyone can understand you! Master these points and you’ll have a great chance of getting the result you are looking for.