The first impression matters when client relationships may make or break a business deal – or, if you’re an employee, your career. Professionals who work with clients understand the importance of building a positive connection based on mutual respect.

If a client is meeting you and your business for the first time, you’ll want to make a good first impression. This is critical since people establish initial impressions in tenths of a second after meeting someone for the first time.

Here are eight recommendations to help you get off to a good start:

PROFESSIONAL AND COMFORTABLE DRESSING

In front of your client, maintain a professional and courteous demeanor. This applies to your dress choices as well.

So, remember to dress professionally in a way that makes you feel confident and at ease. When you’re feeling good, you project confidence, which your clients will notice and respond to, and all these are signs of the first impression.

CONCENTRATE ON DENTAL HYGIENE

Brush your teeth and use mouthwash to get ready. If food debris becomes wedged between your pearly whites, slough it off using a disposable, finger-sized brush. If you have the time, try an LED teeth whitening kit to brighten your sparkling whites even more. Your goal is to make everyone in the meeting room grin with a lovely, white smile.

MANAGE YOUR HAIR

Keep your hair in good condition. Use pomade, a hair product that adds grip without the crusty finish that hair gels produce, if you have short hair. If you have long and wavy hair, on the other hand, use hair clips or bands to keep your locks pushed back so that your client we see you well kept and this can channel your first impression

FACIAL BLEMISHES CAN BE COVERED UP

Concealers are ideal for concealing flaws in the face. Creamy concealers, for example, work wonders on ugly blemishes and dark circles beneath the eyes. Keep a travel-sized compact or tube in your small bag if you need to reapply concealer during the day.

If you’re looking for the perfect concealer, see a makeup artist to find the proper tone for your skin. Frequently, an evident concealer looks to be worse than a bare face with a few flaws.

BEFOREHAND, LEARN ABOUT YOUR CLIENT

Gather some background information about your client and their line of business before entering the meeting room and pitching your company. Begin by learning how to properly pronounce the company’s name, as well as essential client names and, if necessary, top competitors’ names.

Have a thorough awareness of your client’s position in the industry, as well as the challenges and successes they’ve had in the past. You can get this information ahead of time by searching for the industry, firm, and client contact on Google. Also, make sure to read the news section. News articles can tell a lot about your client’s business, including its industry position.

If your client has worked with other employees in your organization, approach these workers for advice. Consider asking the following:

• What can I do to work more effectively with this client?
• Is there anything unique about the client you’ve worked with in the past?
• Does she have preferences on deadlines and other important stuff?

Learning a bit more information about your client wouldn’t hurt, as you can use the tidbits you’ve gathered to build an excellent rapport.

 

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Don’t be afraid to flaunt what you’ve got. Your introduction gives you the chance to wow your clients with your abilities and knowledge. Use this template if you’re unclear what to say in your introduction:

“It’s great to finally meet you, [Mr./Ms. Client Name].” My name is [insert your name], and I’ve worked in [insert your function or company department] for over [insert number of years] and with approximately [insert number of firms]. I’m ecstatic to have the chance to work with you and your company.”

Keep your introduction to a couple of sentences in length while writing it. Along with demonstrating your knowledge and experience, you should end your introduction by expressing how excited you are to work with your customer.

TALK TO YOUR CLIENT ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC PAIN POINTS

You must understand what keeps your client awake at night — and how your organization can alleviate their problems. You may offer a case study at this point to demonstrate how you solved a similar challenge for another client. Wherever feasible, use movies, images, graphs, data, and facts. Your client will be pleased to witness the actual outcomes of your firm’s efforts.

FREELY PROVIDE SOMETHING OF VALUE

Offer something little that they can do for free to help or expand their business on the initial meeting with your client. This might be simple, personalized counsel or a free piece of content that you can send out prior to the meeting. Giving out something for free is an excellent method to build trust and rapport while also displaying your company’s expertise.

If you want to make a good first impression, you only have one chance. So, to properly engage and win over your client, be sure to follow these eight guidelines.