Everyone wants to be liked. Meeting new people daily as a business owner, you should always put your best foot forward. Now, don’t put on a show just to make a sale. This means being genuine, and being yourself. How can you become likable within the first few seconds of meeting someone? If you are looking to score a deal from interactions you have with potential customers, you need to make a great first impression. Here’s how:
Be Aware.
Have you ever been talking to someone and they seem like they do not want to be there? Why did you think that? Was it their body language? How they were sitting (arms folded)? When talking, you should have open body language. Be aware of your posture. Remember to also have a firm handshake (but don’t break their arm off in the process). All of these show that you are open to communication.
Be There.
Checking your phone, or the time constantly doesn’t really sit well to whoever you are speaking with. Pay attention, make eye contact, and focus. It is easy to get distracted in this world, and as a business owner. Remember that each connection you make is an important one, so treat it as so.
Be Communicative.
Have confidence when talking. If you are stumbling through your words, and the tone of your voice is high, then it sounds like you do not know what you are talking about, even if you do. Remember to also choose speech that is positive and flows easily.
Be Professional.
Think through your appearance, your personality, and your audience. You represent your company, so make sure it is a positive representation.
Be Prepared.
Put time into each meeting. You never know who can become a beneficial contact. Plan as much as you need to, and make sure to take up only the necessary amount of time (everyone has busy lives right?).
Be Genuine.
If you try to be too nice, people will take notice. Just be yourself, and make a connection. Be sure to answer all questions they may have, as best as you can. The best relationships, business or not, are based on honesty. Following up is key to keeping a connection.
These quick tips may seem second nature, but even the smallest negative interaction can put a bad taste in someone’s mouth. Remember that even if you make a bad first impression, you can still redeem yourself. At the end of the day, being yourself will help you connect with others easily.
For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, subscribe to the FreshLime Newsletter here. Connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert onLinkedIn and Twitter. And last of all, if any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!