It takes roughly seven seconds to form a first impression, according to Psychology Today.
Impressions are crucial in the world of business, and can mean the difference between success and failure. For anyone with a business to run, it's important that you know how to generate fantastic first impressions. If you are at a loss about this, here are a few ways that you can cultivate positive first impressions.
Have A Presentable Office
Your office is the biggest indicator of what sort of business you plan on having, and will contribute to the first impression that potential clients and job seekers will have. Having a clean and attractive office helps to build better relationships between employees, management, and clients, according to Mike Canarelli, CEO of Web Talent Marketing. This is why it's important that you make sure that you have a presentable office by having an established sanitation schedule. You can also make use of green cleaning agents that greatly benefit the environment, but also protect the people in your office. Try to review what furniture design is best to eke out a professional yet comfortable environment for yourself, your employees, and your clients.
On-Brand Dressing
One of the fastest ways to create a good first impression is by dressing well. However, you must dress in a way that fits your brand. For example, if your business meets international clients regularly, it is best to dress in business formal. If your business is more on the casual side, it’s best to go with business casual. Your employees should adhere to this concept, too. This is why it's best to have a dress code guideline so that everyone is guided accordingly. Having everyone involved with the business dress in an on-brand way is a good method to establish a good first impression that communicates that you and your employees are professional, neat and effective.
Body Language And Active Listening
Your body helps to give away your innermost thoughts and emotions. This is why you must pay careful attention to the body language you have when meeting clients or interviewing job seekers. Avoid slumping or crossing your arms when speaking with someone. Keep appropriate eye contact, and give a firm handshake. Just as important is to practice active listening when engaging someone. When your audience feels that you are listening to them, they build a better impression of you and what you represent in their minds. Active listening also lets the speaker know that you value their time and their input — things that will further solidify their positive opinion of you. Try to pass on the culture of mindful body language and active listening to your workers so that they can be effective brand ambassadors and generate positive first impressions with the people they meet.
Generating positive first impressions in business is crucial in getting your brand off the ground. Business owners that also help generate good first impressions build a better office culture that can be carried on by their employees. It would be wise to review how you conduct yourself and your business to determine what else you need to change in order to generate fantastic first impressions.