Starting a new business is not easy. Making a good impression when you start a new business is even harder. You should strive to make a good impression because people (clients/customers and suppliers) who have already dealt with you and who have been impressed by your work are more likely to come back to you and to recommend you to others. There are several tips that will help you make a good impression in your new business.
Do not go into the business with all guns blazing. Customers/clients who come to you are better than those you go for. If you have competition, customers/clients will shy away from the moment you start claiming you have all the solutions because they may see you as being untruthful. Selling yourself as the industry guru who has all the new ideas will make your competitors reflexively shoot you down. Avoid the common mistake of bad mouthing your competition because this can make a bad impression on clients/customers.
You should advertise tastefully to make a good impression. Your shop signage should not promise more than you are offering. You could buy space in the local newspaper or buy TV or radio time to advertise. You will make a good impression to younger audiences if you use social media to advertise.
When you first meet a customer/client, you must first hold his/her attention. The next step is giving the relevant information; the use of the product, its uses, and how to get it. The last step should be convincing the customer/client about the value of the product/service. Giving them an overview of your offering and what it will do for them is crucial.
You must work on the appearance of the business if you are to make a good impression. You should only open up shop if you have all the stock you need to fill the premises because you will lose customers who ask for item X, only to find that it is out of stock. The business should be clean and professionally run.
Be respectful to all customers, even those who are not making a purchase. Start with a handshake and then introduce yourself so that the customer feels like he knows you. You should walk tall and strike a good posture. Work on your tone of voice and try to remember people’s names.
It always helps to give promotional products, but do not distribute pitiful products because this will push people away. Dress your staff for the job. Print business cards to appear more professional. Respond to customer reviews, including negative reviews.
It always pays to establish a business website. Ensure it is in good working order (there should be no 404 redirects or outdated content.