First impressions bring a whole swathe of pressure on them. Whether it’s a job interview or a client meeting, you need to make the right first impression. After all, you only have seven seconds to do so! But don’t worry — this guide will make the whole ordeal far easier.
Punctuality
Whoever your meeting, you want to be on time; if not, you’re sending all the wrong signals. 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.
There’s an extra benefit to you being early too; you can calm down before the meeting. Both of these factors can be crucial if you need to present to your potential clients.
The right outfit
It’s an obvious step, perhaps, but you really do need to dress to impress. 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 want to be sure to look crisp and clean from head to toe. A nicely fitted suit with clean — an 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 colours and patterns. Dark grey or navy suits should be the go-to for your outfit choice.
Watch your body language
Don’t overlook the power of positive body language. 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!
Clear and concise
There’s no worse impression than to mumble at someone. 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.
Mode of transport
Your first impression may very well begin in 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!
And that’s all you need to worry about! 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.
