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Important things to remember ahead of your business meeting

There’s so many factors to consider ahead of your business meeting, as after all, creating the best first impression possible is crucial right? Did you know that on average you have just seven seconds to make a good first impression?We’ve all been there; whether it’s meeting your other half’s parents, attending a job interview, or trying to close an important business deal.

business meeting

Dress to impress!

Steer clear of those Converse trainers and ripped jeans — it’s important to dress like the professional you are trying to portray yourself as. After all, if the shoe was on the other foot, do you think you would pay attention and sign a contract if the person standing in front of you was unkept? This highlights that although it might sound obvious, turning up well dressed to your appointment really can help you go a long way.

A nicely fitted suit with clean — an emphasis on clean — shoes will give the impression that you are proud of your appearance and are likely to take pride in your client’s needs, too. Make sure you are looking clean and crisp from head to toe.Women can also benefit from tailored clothing of conservative colours and patterns. Dark grey or navy should be staple coloursin your outfit choice.

Arrive early!

Famous for his ‘when to arrive for a meeting’ philosophy is Eisenhower, Americas former president. This was the theory which meant that if you weren’t 10 minutes early for the meeting, then you were late.Clients will be busy people — so don’t waste their time by not being punctual. Being early helps avoid unnecessary stress by allowing you to get used to your surroundings and to compose yourself. Both of these factors can be crucial if you need to present to your potential clients.

Maintain positive body language throughout

Keeping eye contact portrays you as a positive person, while those who avoid eye contact can sometimes be seen as being ‘shifty’ or rude — not ideal for a business meeting!Be sure to smile, shake everyone’s hand who is in the meeting and keep good eye contact. Smiling will put potential clients at ease, offering a warm impression of yourself, while firmly shaking hands can command respect. Again, it should be second nature to use positive body language in any meetings, but sometimes this can be overlooked.

Is your vehicle choice important?

We’ve all heard of stereotypes revolving around certain types of car, but did you ever think about how this may affect any potential business deals?We’ve all Audis are often stereotypically linked to businessmen and women, meaning that those who drive an Audi A3 Cabriolet are thought to be in the business industry. This highlights that sometimes first impressions can even begin before you walk through the door.

Speak clearly!

Your client could become frustrated if they have to continuously ask what you’ve said, therefore it is exceptionally important that you speak clearly. Whatever you do, make sure that you do not mumble! Having an accent won’t matter as long as you are clearly annunciating your words.

By speaking clearly, it’s easy to get your point across and it will make your meeting run more smoothly and, let’s face it, the smoother the meeting, the more likely you are to land that elusive deal! It also allows you to build a relationship via small talk. Speaking clearly enables this to happen, as if they don’t understand you, they won’t engage.

Remember, don’t drive a ‘boy-racer’ style car to your meeting, arrive early, dress snappy, be open and friendly, and make sure everyone can understand you! Master these points and you’ll have a great chance of getting the result you are looking for.

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