In business, just as in life, first impressions are extremely important. People will make an initial judgement about you based upon how you look, and what you say. (Some would add to this ‘the way you carry yourself’, but I think that’s a combination of the first two.) Right or wrong, this is a fact of life.
If you disagree, I put forth the question: who would you be more likely to lend money to, the dude on the street corner with scraggly hair, bottle, and wearing a ragged jacket & pants, or the guy dressed in a suit & tie? Point made.
The Law of First Impressions
Potential customers will judge your business based upon their first impression. They will decide if they like you and want to do business with you.
When a potential client calls your place of business, how is he greeted on the phone? If a new customer walks into your store for the first time, what will he see? What subliminal messages is your marketing saying about your company? Is your business putting it’s best foot forward?
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression…
How does your web presence look and what is it saying to first time visitors?
If a potential customer searches Google for a product or service that you offer, is your business showing up at the top of the results? If it is, what information is being displayed or listed?
Are reviews for your business shown, and if so, are they positive and helpful?
What Impression Are You Leaving?
If an online directory with outdated information is listing incorrect information about your business, that’s a bad first impression.
If your site ranks first, but the description of who you are and what you do is outdated and doesn’t match your current offerings, that’s a bad first impression.
If negative reviews for your business are the first thing a potential customer sees, that’s a REALLY bad impression.
If your digital and print materials are not consistent in design and quality, that’s a bad first impression.
So. It’s time to take inventory of your business. Not as you see it. But as your customers and potential customers see it. Do they like what they see, hear, smell? If not, it’s time to change the impression your business is making!
What first impression is your business leaving with potential customers?
This explains the whole system. As much as possible entrepreneurs and small businesses should impress their prospect clients/customers in the most influential way to be able to reach their goals. Great post!
Thanks Roxanne, glad you enjoyed it!