Meeting with your business’ first ever client can be a thrilling and daunting experience for any new entrepreneur. The impression that you have on your first client during the meeting will set the tone for the type of relationship that you’ll have with them in the future and may even contribute to their decision when it comes to going forward with the deal. Your first client is a pivotal factor for your brand and wields significant power over your reputation and future growth prospects, so you need to make a good impression right off the bat. Remember that you don’t just want your first client to sign up – you want to impress them so much, they can’t wait to recommend your brand to others. Here are our top tips for doing just that.
#1. Dress to Impress:
First things first – it’s all about the visual impression that you make on your client. For example, turning up in old jeans and a crinkled t-shirt is probably going to cause alarm bells; most clients will wonder how much pride you take in your work if you can’t even take a little bit in your appearance. Spend some time getting suited and booted, having your hair done, and applying makeup if you wear it – the extra effort will ensure your client is impressed the minute you walk through the door. Check out these smart and professional Perfectly Priscilla plus size work dresses as an example of professional and high-quality attire to look for.
#2. Get to Know Them:
Whilst the main point of a client meeting is to do business, your client will surely appreciate you taking the time to get to know them a little. There’s no need to delve into their life story, but asking about where they live or how many children they have can be a great way to break the ice and get to know your potential new client a little better as a person. Making more small talk may seem beside the point of your meeting, but it will help you to better relate to one another in a human way. This often leads to better teamwork and collaboration.
#3. Research Them Beforehand:
Any potential client is going to be impressed if you’ve already done your homework on them and their business before they walk through the door. Before your meeting, invest some time in reading up about your client and the brand that they’re representing. Social networks such as LinkedIn are great for finding out more about somebody’s career role; search for your client and use their profile to learn more about them and the work that they do.
#4. Watch Your Body Language:
Along with asking plenty of questions, having a schedule, taking notes and repeating your client’s words back to them, your body language is hugely important to the type of impression that you make during this crucial first meeting. For example, if you’re crouched in your seat with shrugged shoulders for the majority of the meeting, your client may feel uneasy, even if the conversation itself went well. Work on open body language – sit with your shoulders broad and make sure you’re making plenty of eye contact. You want your client to feel safe and comfortable around you.
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