Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly
Despite all the hard work that comes after it, it can often be the firmness of a handshake and the straightness of a tie that forms alasting impression in business relationships. First impressions are vitally important in everyday life as well as business, but where there are custom and profits on the line, it is even more crucial to get it right when it comes to getting an idea of you and your brand in the minds of those you work with. Here are some reasons why a good first impression is vital in business.
It Communicates Professionalism
Being smartly dressed or immaculately turned out for a 9 am business meeting communicates confidence and a steady hand is navigating the ship, whereas flying into the meeting one minute late with hair askew and shirt hanging out communicates unreliability and a liability to let down customers. This fine line is the line between planning ahead and being caught off-guard; making sure you’re always looking and acting professional will encourage people to do business with you and will avoid any awkward first impressions in which you tar your professional image.
You’ll Gain Trust Quicker
Trust is a fundamental component of business relationships and is not entirely based on how much your client believes you’ll keep to your word. Trust also revolves around how you look and act when first impressions are being made. You’re being analyzed in these exchanges, with your opposite number sizing up your dependency, reliability, skills, and talents. By mastering the good first impression, you’re far more likely to gain someone’s trust, which will pave the way for successful business.
You’ll Look the Part
As well as face-to-face business meetings, there’s also the appearance of your website that makes a big first impression on prospective clients and customers. Perhaps your webpage has been found through Google; you want customers to believe that the company they’re browsing is the real deal and a professional and experienced business with which to engage. Enlist the help of Website Development professionals so that your web presence makes the best-possible first impression at the first point of contact for many people with your company.
You’ll be Remembered
When it comes to furthering your own career, making a good first impression will keep you in the mind of superiors and businesspeople who may one day wish to call upon your services in the knowledge that you’re someone who can get the job done. You may not see the long-term benefits of making a good first impression on all those you meet in the business world, but over time you’ll come to foster a professional reputation the proceeds you, alongside many good, trusting, friendly relationships with a useful variety of people.
First impressions are important, that much is certain. Whether it’s in the workplace or the bar, presenting a side to yourself that’s trustworthy and likable will win you admirers and will quickly establish a reputation that will proceed you for good business etiquette and strong professional skills.
by 