Making a Great First Impression as a New Business

Starting a new business takes time, money, effort, and commitment.  Since people invest so much in a new venture, it only makes sense to take all the necessary steps to ensure that your business becomes successful. One of the best ways to do that is to establish a positive image of your business by creating a strong and memorable impression.

According to a Harvard Business Review study, it only takes 7 seconds for the average customer to form an impression of a retail interaction. Since you only have one shot to make a first impression, make sure to go all in to establish an authentic connection with your clients, vendors, and prospective business partners. Here are some proven ways to make a great first impression and achieve business success.

Enhance Your Premises’ Aesthetics

What do people notice when they walk into a brand new shop for the very first time? Usually, they take note of the way it’s decorated and its overall vibe or feel. As such, you’ll need to make your business feel welcoming so your customers will be eager to return after their initial purchase or transaction. A study has found that repeat customers spend 67 percent more on average than new customers, so make your premises as appealing as possible to encourage your customers to keep coming back.

First, make sure that every nook and cranny of your premises is clean and free of dust and grime. Make it a habit to regularly wipe down all surfaces, especially high-touch areas like door knobs and tabletops, and keep glass surfaces like windows and mirrors free of smudges and fingerprints. If your business is located in a high rise building, invest in technology driven window cleaning solutions to safely clean windows. Have this done every few weeks or so to prevent dirt from building up.

After cleaning, decorate with aesthetics and functionality in mind. Choose a color scheme and materials that would complement your brand’s image, and include natural elements such as water features, live plants, or decorative rocks to create a sense of warmth and authenticity. Don’t forget to provide comfortable seating areas for your customers, and make sure that there are no obstacles to the entryway that would make it difficult to enter your premises.

Provide Outstanding Customer Service

Another way that your business can make a positive first impression is by offering outstanding customer service. You and your staff should value your customers’ time by responding promptly to their questions, and assisting them as soon as you’re able to do so. Go the extra mile by providing them with knowledge and resources– this is a must, especially if you’re launching a new brand or product. Listen to your customers’ concerns and be friendly and patient at all times.

It may be difficult to be professional and on your best behavior at all times, especially if you’re dealing with difficult customers. But remember, giving excellent customer service will pay off in the long run since doing so will protect your business’s reputation. This will also ensure that longtime customers will continue to support your business even if you make a slight mistake in the future.

Present Yourself Appropriately

Presenting yourself appropriately should also be a priority if you’re launching a new business. If you and your employees are wearing uniforms, make sure to wear them correctly and practice proper hygiene and good grooming. Keep accessories to a minimum, and make sure not to don any potentially offensive items, such as vulgar jewelry or t-shirts with rude prints or offensive words or phrases. For those who don’t have a uniform, style your clothing in such a way that it reflects your business’s brand and aesthetics. For instance, if you’re running a niche fragrance business, dress in business elegant attire. This means boucle skirt suits for women, and slim fit suits for men.

Greet customers with a smile and convey yourself pleasantly and respectfully at all times by saying “please” and “thank you” frequently. Make everyone feel welcome and never discriminate. When it comes to potential business partners, be friendly but not inappropriate– remember, there’s a fine line between being overly friendly and being flirty, and that’s a line that you don’t want to cross if you want your business to succeed. Also, remember to respect your customers’ boundaries and personal space. Be adept at reading body language so you’ll know when to provide more help and when to back off.

Starting a new business can be challenging, but you can ensure success by making a good first impression on your customers. Consider these tips to make a positive impression, and encourage your clients to keep on supporting your new venture.

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