How can you create a great first impression with new clients?

1 Prepare in advance

Before you meet with a new client, do some research on their background, needs, goals, and preferences. This will help you tailor your approach, show your interest, and avoid potential pitfalls. You can also prepare some questions to ask them, some relevant examples or stories to share, and some clear objectives for the meeting. Having a plan will make you more confident, organized, and professional.

2 Be punctual and polite

One of the simplest ways to create a great first impression is to be on time and courteous. Whether you're meeting in person, online, or over the phone, respect your client's schedule and availability. Arrive or log in a few minutes early, greet them warmly, and introduce yourself and your role. Use their name, title, and preferred pronouns. Smile, make eye contact, and use positive body language. Avoid distractions, interruptions, and multitasking. Thank them for their time and attention.

3 Listen and learn

Another key aspect of creating a great first impression is to listen actively and attentively to your client. Show them that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say, their challenges, their expectations, and their feedback. Ask open-ended questions, paraphrase what they say, and reflect their emotions. Avoid interrupting, judging, or dominating the conversation. Learn as much as you can about their situation, their perspective, and their desired outcomes.

4 Communicate your value

While listening is important, you also need to communicate your value and expertise to your client. You want to demonstrate that you understand their needs and goals, that you have the skills and experience to help them, and that you have a clear and compelling proposal or solution. Use clear, concise, and confident language. Highlight your strengths, benefits, and differentiators. Provide evidence, examples, or testimonials to support your claims. Avoid jargon, exaggeration, or overselling.

5 Build rapport and trust

Creating a great first impression also involves building rapport and trust with your client. You want to establish a connection, a common ground, and a mutual respect. You can do this by showing your personality, your enthusiasm, and your empathy. You can also use humor, compliments, or stories to break the ice, create rapport, or lighten the mood. You can also express your appreciation, your commitment, and your honesty. Avoid being too formal, too casual, or too pushy.

6 Follow up and follow through

Finally, creating a great first impression doesn't end with the first meeting. You need to follow up and follow through with your client to maintain and enhance the impression. You can do this by sending a thank you note, a summary of the meeting, or a confirmation of the next steps. You can also ask for feedback, offer additional support, or provide value-added resources. You can also deliver on your promises, meet your deadlines, and exceed your expectations. Avoid being too persistent, too vague, or too inconsistent.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?