First impressions in business always last. I was on my way to a clinic to have my pre-employment check-up. As I was entering, I noticed some interesting things. One, for a clinic, the place is oddly unclean. Promotional papers are everywhere, and stains are noticeable in the walls. Second, the area is too cramped, and patients are lined up in every corner—lastly, the smell. Imagine having the restroom adjacent to the clinic’s door. I told myself I would never go back to that clinic again.
My experience proves how vital first impressions are, especially if you are into business. From customer service to the sanitation of offices – all of these shape the customers’ perception of your business. First impressions would also affect your business reputation. So, if you want to have good reviews, then start improving everything!
Customers reviews are a big part of your business success and could also influence other people’s perception of your business. What steps should you do to ensure an excellent long-lasting first impression?
Table of Contents
Get it Right the First Time
As an entrepreneur, time is precious, and you don’t want to spend precious time on things that you can do right the first time. Research, consultation, planning, implementation, and action can help you to achieve this.
Know Your Audience
Whether you are starting your business or is a veteran on the field, having a piece of knowledge about your desired audience is one step in ensuring a good first impression. For example, if you are into meat processing and production, restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments are the suited customer.
On the other hand, if your business is in line with real estate, newlywed couples, first-time home buyers, or young professionals are some of the suggested customers for you. By merely knowing for whom your business is for can significantly increase your chance of success.
Consult Veteran Entrepreneurs in Your Field
If you are unsure about the next steps to take for your business career, talking with veteran entrepreneurs can undoubtedly enlighten you. Consulting long time people in the industry can help you find your way in times of confusion. If you know someone, then don’t hesitate to talk with them and ask for advice.
Veteran entrepreneurs would love to have their protégés because it can be beneficial to both. Entrepreneurs who have successful protégés can tremendously impact their popularity and will give them an excellent reputation. On the other hand, you can also learn a lot from long-time business people and benefit from their other business partners.
Prepare your Place of Business
Your business place will be the first thing that customers would notice – everything from brochures, office organization, paint jobs, sanitation, customer service, and all that are crucial in attempting to get a good first impression. Even dirty floors and uncleaned windows will make or break your business reputation.
Imagine reading reviews about how untidy your reception desk is or how unprofessional the staff is. These little things may seem harmful but remember people are watching, and if these things are left unnoticed, it may lead to adverse impacts in the future.
Advocate for a Clean Workplace
As cliché as it may sound, tidying up your place of business will never be out of style. As simple as organizing the papers, cleaning the tables, brushing off the dirt, and arranging piles of sheets can start a significant makeover. Imagine walking inside a business place where every inch is cleaned and polished; what a perfect first impression!
Your place of business can also achieve that sparkling clean space by contacting a professional cleaning company! Benefits of a cleaner include: saves time and money, reduces stress and worries, and lessens fatigue. Utilizing a professional cleaning company’s services will not just give you that elegant, edgy business place atmosphere but will also give your customers the first impression that you wanted!
Build Connections
Connections are essential in the business world. What and who you associate yourself with and your business will undoubtedly impact your business ventures in the future. First impressions in trying to build connections are important as well. Other business people will judge you the moment you step inside the same room as them.
Remember, you are your brand, and handling yourself in business situations can affect your brand’s reputation. Be confident, practice your “elevator speech,” offer your help first, express authenticity, engage in business talk, and ultimately be yourself.
Show your Passion and Enthusiasm
When meeting your customers for the first time, always show how passionate and grateful you are to them. Your customers are what make your business booming and an essential part of your success. It doesn’t take much to show your gratitude to them. Being there for them and giving them quality service from start to finish will guarantee you a place in their hearts.
Also, putting your customers first is an excellent way to show how passionate you are to serve them. No matter what kind of business you are in, the way you treat your customers will say a lot about you. Converse with them, ask for feedback, be transparent, and show honesty. Having these qualities will surely give your business an excellent first impression.
Takeaway: First Impressions in Business Will Last
It is true that first impressions always last, and while others will try to demean this fact, being one step ahead of your competitors will surely reward you in the long run. Spending time to better yourself and your business to make excellent long-lasting first impressions is a good start for better business ventures in the future.
