Ways to Avoid a Bad First Impression in Business
Imagine inviting someone to your office for a business meeting and having them burst in the door 15 minutes late with a burrito in one hand and a portfolio bursting with papers in the other. As you try to gain your composure, the person spends five minutes getting collected and complaining about how horrible the day has been going. This isn't going to make a good first impression on you, and chances are, you will not end up doing business together. As a businessperson who meets people for the first time regularly, whether they are investors, customers, partners, or potential employers, one of the best things you can do is plan ways to avoid making a bad first impression, and make a good one instead.
Be on Time
One of the worst things you can do for your first meeting is to be late. This reflects very poorly on you as an individual, suggesting that you do not manage your time well and that you are irresponsible. Therefore, plan carefully how long it will take you to get to your meeting location, add a buffer of at least 50 percent of that time to account for potential snags along the way, and add another 5 minutes so you will still be early. If you arrive at the location, more than 10 minutes before your scheduled time, take another walk around the block or find a cafe to sit down and collect yourself before you go in.
Dress to Impress
You always want to be as well dressed as the person you are meeting with, and perhaps even a step above. You can find some clues by walking by the office and seeing what other people there are wearing, looking on the company website at photos of the employees or office, or calling the receptionist anonymously to ask. If you still aren't sure, play it safe and wear a suit. Also ensure that your outfit is pressed, clean, and looks tidy.
Do Your Research
Before heading to a meeting with someone you have never met, do a little bit of research online and with people who know the person you are meeting. Find out what the person's degrees are, a bit of his history with the company, and what the person's position and responsibilities are. In addition, learn a little bit about what the company is up to these days so you can ask some smart questions about it to show that you are informed and you care about the company.
Know Why You're There
During your first meeting, keep in mind the reasons you are there and do everything you can to accomplish the objective you have set out. If it is an informational meeting, you'll probably be quite casual and friendly, whereas at an interview you will be focused on describing your skills and accomplishments in the best light possible. If needed, practice stating your objective or purpose of the meeting clearly and concisely so you can ensure you are on the same page with the other person.
