How to Create Great First Impressions to Customers.

First impressions last longer, whether they are good or bad. This is not only true in human relationships but also true in corporate business relationships. The first impression customers have about your brand determines if they want to do business with you at all or not.

Everything matters when you want to create a great first impression, from how appealing your office looks to how relational and empathetic your employees are and how much of the customers’ problems your products and services actually solve.

One thing about creating a wrong impression is that you will need to do about four to five things right consecutively, to erase that first wrong impression your customer had about you so it is important you know how to go about it.

These rules are general first impression rules that can be applied in business communication as well. Here are they:

1. Eye Contact

No one feels comfortable talking to someone with shifty eyes who deliberately and shyly avoids eye contacts. This communicates a lack of confidence in yourself and what you are selling no matter how much you convince them you know about your business. Actions speak louder than words.

2. A warm Smile

This is the biggest icebreaker in all human communications. A smile says, “am your friend and I want to help you. I like you and am enjoying this conversation. People might forget what you did or say to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. A smile makes customers feel comfortable around you.

3. Focus on the customers’ needs not your needs

Forget all the sales targets, company policies and pressure to deliver results and focus on your customers. Show them you care about solving their problems first and easily, you will find yourself hitting those goals easily.

4. Positive attitude

Unlike many things happening in your business environment, your attitude is something you can control. You can choose to approach your customers positively, confidently, enthusiastically and helpful even when you’re tired, stressed or frustrated or you can choose to be grumpy, complaining and snap. Remember it is the way you approach customers that determines how they respond to you.

5. Deliver with speed and excellence

Speed is important in dealing with a client. The faster you can deliver their products and services, the better. Even if your services are great and it is taking longer than usual, you will get them discouraged even before they patronize you

6. Give compliments.

A sincere compliment combined with an honest smile can get your customers connected to your business immediately.

7. Your office apartment count too

If your office environment is warm and welcoming enough, you will not have to say a lot to impress your customers at the first contact.

8. Dress the part

The rule, “the way you dress is the way you will be addressed” applies here. It’s a basic rule for creating a great first impression any time.

9. Listen

Do not be too eager to speak especially when what you want to say is focused on your business. When you listen, customers fell you care about them and when they feel that way, they will likely patronize your business.