The well-known adage, “you never have a second chance to make a first impression” is more significant than ever. In today’s fast-paced business world, decisions are made quickly. The initial impression of your business determines if it heads to the front of the line or if it’s forgotten forever.
Here are 5 things you can buff up to make sure your business passes the test. Your growth depends on it.
1. Modernize your website. Your website is the window to your business. When a potential client does not have a personal connection with you, directly or through a referral, they rely on your website. This gives them a sense of your knowledge, expertise, experience, and professionalism. Refresh your website regularly.
2. Polish your logo. Much like your website, logos require the occasional “spit shine” to ensure they convey applicability to your business and relevancy for today’s business environment.
3. Rejuvenate your picture. Have you heard that “a picture is worth a thousand words”? When a prospect doesn’t have a way to know what a remarkable professional business owner you are, they can only make an assumption based on your photograph. Engage a professional photographer to make sure your professional picture conveys the image you want on your website and social media platforms.
4. Shorten your follow-up cycle. The window of opportunity during which you can secure a meeting with an interested prospect is short. Once a potential client makes the decision to contact you for a sales meeting, you have less than 24 – 36 hours to act. Your ability to secure an initial meeting drops considerably after that period of time. Be sure to allocate time in your day to punctually follow up on new leads.
5. Make, and deliver on, timely promises. There is a crisis in customer care and follow-up today. In fact, recent polling showed only 8% of customers feel as though they’re getting superior service. These days, it doesn’t take much to exceed expectations. Punctuality and timeliness on commitments can carry your business the distance in making a good first impression.
Despite what you might observe in the marketplace, first impressions do count. In reality, you only have 7 seconds to make a good first impression. Use them wisely and demonstrate the ability of your business to deliver.
Carry on:
- Clean Your Plate: Things Your Mom Taught You About Small Business
- Uncover the Moments of Truth in Your Business with a Strategic Coach
- Why Growing Your Small Business in a Silo is Bad for Business
- Your Circle of Influence May Be Impacting Your Business Growth
- Adding Fun to Your Follow-Up Can Actually Grow Your Business
