We all have one opportunity to make the right first impression on our customers and clients. Even if we have a great approach, a clear value proposition and do everything else right, failing to pay attention to the right details can sink all of our efforts. Here, we’re going to look at some of the issues that can ruin that first impression, and steps you can take to resolve them.
By Team Savant
Image: Adam Winger
Behind The Times
There are lots of reasons why your business can look old and outdated. Believe it or not, this is going to be enough to turn a lot of customers and clients off completely. Clients always want to buy from the innovators and the forward thinkers. So, how can you position your business so that it fits this mold? Well, you may want to consider utilizing the latest technology from suppliers such as Avocet Battery Materials. ABM creates sustainable batteries for a wide range of uses in the business world and is uniquely positioned to help businesses step forward into a greener future.
Being Tough To Reach
If your customer has seen your website or otherwise engaged with your marketing and wants to get in touch, it’s in your interest to make sure that they have some way to get through to you. Staying connected with your customers is more important than ever. Of course, you can’t always be present, but you can at least make sure that you have email autoresponders and voicemail messages making it clear when you will be able to get back to them. Don’t simply leave them hanging or they can lose interest by the time you can reach out.
Making It Obvious You’re A Small Business
It might not exactly be fair, but small businesses (and especially home owned businesses) do face a stigma of not being as professional as larger, more established outfits. As such, while you don’t want to actively mislead customers, you don’t want to give them any reason to come to a misconception. For that reason, relying on things, like virtual offices, to provide a more prestigious address can do wonders for your business. So, too, should you consider not introducing yourself as the owner of the business; instead letting them assume you’re part of a bigger team.
Failing To Make That First Appointment
If you set any kind of appointment or deadline, it is essential that you make it. You should do it every time, but the first time is the most important. It’s your first promise to your customer, and if you fail that, it sets the impression that you might fail to keep other promises, as well. If you genuinely have trouble keeping time, then you should look at work scheduling software to help you stay on top of everything. There’s no excuse for tardiness in the professional world. It’s not just inconvenient, it’s rude to the other person, too.
Not Listening
Lastly, it’s important to make sure you’re able to communicate the strengths and benefits of doing business with your brand. But when it comes to conversations with clients, you should give them space to state their wants, as well. Create a great pitch that is flexible to the needs of the individual and be able to talk to their wants rather than simply going off of a script. Practice active listening to make sure you’re not simply talking past them.
The first impression is and will always be crucial in business. It can dictate just how easy or difficult it is to convert a customer. Follow the tips above and look for other cracks in how your business makes that impression.