It can be a nervous venture to make a good first impression. If you’ve got a big interview coming up, or a critical meeting at work to get right, then you’ll need to get that first impression right in just seven seconds! You really don’t have long at all!
Timing is everything
Being late is always a bad first impression, no matter how well you dress for the occasion. 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.
Plus, by being early, you can familiarize yourself with the new building or location. Both of these factors can be crucial if you need to present to your potential clients.
Making sure your outfit is perfect
Dressing appropriately for a meeting can make a world of difference. 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, be sure to look crisp and clean with your choice of attire. 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 gray or navy suits should be the go-to for your outfit choice.
Think about what your body is saying
Don’t neglect 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!
Confident speech
Mumbling can quickly make a situation awkward. 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.
Vehicle
Sometimes first impressions can even begin before you walk through the door. 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 Q2 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 there is to it! 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.
Sources
http://www.businessinsider.com/only-7-seconds-to-make-first-impression-2013-4?IR=T
https://www.forbes.com/consent/?toURL=https://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2011/11/02/5-ways-to-make-a-killer-first-impression/
http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Etiquette/business-body-language.html
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/small-business-attire-for-women-3514813
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2016/03/10-advantages-to-arriving-early-to-meetings.html
