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While the way a first meeting goes may not always make or break a deal, putting your best foot forward is much more likely to lead to a good result—especially when it comes to a potential new business partner or client. The first impression you make could set the tone for your whole relationship, which means it’s vitally important to strive for a positive one.
To help you do this, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council offer nine of their top tips for ensuring you make a great first impression with a potential partner or client, and explain why using these methods will be so beneficial for the future of the relationship.
1. Bring Your Sense Of Humor
A great way to make a good first impression is to show you have a personality. Too many people are afraid to have a sense of humor. The world of business is professional, but it is also fun. So, be yourself. Research your partner or client and have a joke ready to bring some smiles to the meeting. You will be sure to leave a lasting impression as someone who is a pleasure to work with. – Shaun Conrad, My Online Accounting Course
2. Be An Effective Communicator
Making a great first impression with a potential new business partner or client is essential for building trust and establishing a successful relationship. An effective communication strategy is one of the best ways to do this. This means communicating clearly, concisely and professionally with potential partners or clients. Additionally, be prepared to answer questions effectively. – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
3. Research Them Beforehand
Learn as much about the person before the meeting as you can. Research the business and the person’s background so they aren’t a completely blank slate to you. You can do research online, but it’s even better if you can ask a mutual acquaintance (e.g., friend, former employee, someone who has done business with them) for some tips on what makes them tick. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting
4. Find Where Their Needs And Your Abilities Match
Thoroughly research the client’s needs and problems, and then analyze your past experience to find where the client’s needs and your proven abilities match. Apply this research to ask relevant questions when you meet the client and show that you understand the client’s problems. Then, present your relevant past work and skills to prove how you can help the client overcome the issues and succeed. – Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz
5. Lead With Curiosity
Ask a ton of questions! Every first meeting is a potential learning opportunity—on both sides—and a chance to gain new perspective and insight. Lead with curiosity and openness and try to address whatever questions the person you’re meeting with might have as well. In an ideal world, each participant will walk away having learned something about the other. – Lindsay Tanne, LogicPrep
6. Make The Meeting About Them
If you’re meeting a potential partner, tell them how the partnership is important and why it matters to you. That way, they will know that you don’t want to partner with them just for financial reasons but because you truly see potential in them. If they’re a client, focus on the features of your product and explain how it can make their life easier. Basically, make it about them, not your product. – Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite
7. Stay Calm And Composed
Staying calm and composed in a meeting helps ensure a great first impression. It’s normal for you to encounter rebuttals when meeting with a potential business partner or client. So, the key to sealing the deal is maintaining your composure when faced with disapproval and addressing all the concerns or queries of the other party with confidence. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
8. Reference Data And Statistics
I think it’s very important to show that the best practices and solutions you offer are not just guesswork or based on emotions. Coming to a meeting prepared with data on the latest trends, references for statistics on various things such as which channel works best for specific industries and so on goes a long way. – Samuel Thimothy, OneIMS
9. Focus On Authenticity
I have found that my meetings are always more successful if I am my authentic self. Understand who you are. Believe in who you are. Be that person consistently. People appreciate authenticity and will appreciate interacting with the same person consistently. – Zane Stevens, Protea Financial
