Are You Creating Lasting First Impressions in Business?
While many have denied that or even managed to prove otherwise, not all of us have the liberty to reverse our first impressions.
It is said that first impressions are lasting impressions. So, it might as well make a good one to begin with, especially in business. Whether a pitch to investors or a presentation to clients, it's always wise to consciously make an excellent first impression.?
Of course, it's essential to relax and be yourself; you don’t have to overdo it to the extent that it seems like you're trying too hard.
So here are a few simple points to remember before the next big business meeting.
Fashionably, late might work on the red carpet,?but it's looked down upon in business.?Whether you're meeting investors, clients, or?even your team members, make sure you reach a few minutes early.?
Along with increasing the respect towards you, this will also help you gather your thoughts and compose yourself.?Take a few deep breaths, have a glass of water, and go over the agenda of the meeting in your head.?
We're all visual beings, and so appearances say a lot.?It shouldn’t look like you didn’t think about how you looked for the meeting.?Make sure you're in professional attire that's well-fitted and pressed.?
A good perfume, set hair, polished shoes, and a good watch will help create that fine impression. At the end of it, you mean business and want the other person to take you seriously.?
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Showing up on time and looking good means nothing if you have nothing of substance to offer. Your material, content, and preparation are just as important, if not more.?Be prepared with your pitch or presentation and address the room with confidence and charm.
If it's a continuation of an earlier meeting, begin by giving them a brief of the previous session, and take it ahead from there.?
We all know that the attention span of human beings is relatively minimal; however much we try, we're going to zone out after a while.?So, no matter how interesting and intriguing you think your pitch is, you have to keep room for it to be interactive and engaging.
Encourage conversation, be prepared for questions, and be open to constructive feedback. When they are active participants, you know that they are actively listening.
Finally, once you've nailed the meeting, you've got to end on an equally good note.?Don’t leave loose ends - end with a solution.?If the answer is still a work in progress, you could always end the meeting with swift delegation and an action plan.?
And what will create an even better impression is timely follow-ups with the people present at the meeting to ensure that everything is on track.?
I wish you the best in all your future business meetings! Best, Varun Dhingra
Varun Dhingra?is an occasional writer who writes about career, entrepreneurship & personal finance. He is an ex-investment banker and currently serves as the CEO of?Renous Consulting, which provides Talent Solutions to Global Clients. He is also the Chief Curator of?#LifeAroundBlueGrayBlack, a career-building show.