5 Ways B2B and Service Oriented Small Businesses Can Impress Their In-Person Clients

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5 Ways B2B and Service Oriented Small Businesses Can Impress Their In-Person Clients

Landing a new client is a huge boost when you’re a small business owner. It’s the kind of thing that makes you dance a little in your kitchen when no one is watching. As a small business owner, you probably wear many hats. It’s important to always put your best foot forward when you land a new client. First impressions still matter especially when you work with high-ticket clients. They expect a certain level of service, so it’s important to be aware of this before you start having in-person meetings once again.

Be Prepared

Don’t come to a client meeting unprepared. You need to have everything with you for the in-person meeting whether it’s print outs, brochures, samples, or even presentations. There is nothing worse than coming to a meeting where the person leading it is completely unprepared. Take time to gather everything you need before you show up.

The more prepared you are, the more likely your client will see you as the competent business owner that you are. Preparation is one of the things that separates successful small business owners from those who struggle. It’s in preparing that you discover what needs to be adjusted and helps you be ready for problems before they arise.

Use Technology

Find technology to showcase what you do and what your clients need. You can create presentations, 3D models, VR experiences, and more. Technology is perfect for home interior decorators, designers, photographers, videographers, marketing professionals and other service-based businesses who need to share mock-ups and plans with their clients.

Real estate agents can also leverage VR to give business clients virtual walk-throughs of properties that they can’t get to by foot. If you do use technology, make sure you are completely comfortable using it before you have your meeting. This should curb any technical difficulties.

Be Yourself

Most likely the client hired you not just because of your skills, but because of YOU. So even though you need to be professional, you still need to be yourself. Don’t pretend to know things you don’t or to try and use wording you are uncomfortable with. Be personable, be friendly, and be yourself. Let your experience and expertise shine through. Clients can sense when someone isn’t genuine and that makes for an uncomfortable experience. When you are truthful, confident, competent, and kind, it can work wonders for your clients relationships.

Dress Appropriately

Unless you are a fitness pro don’t go dressed in your fitness attire. Unless you are a mechanic, don’t show up to a client meeting with dirty jeans and a stained t-shirt. You may not need a suit and tie for most client meetings, but you do need to dress to the level of your client. It’s amazing what a good outfit can do for your confidence and to lend credibility to you.

If it’s your first time meeting this client in person, make sure you wear something that fits well, that you are comfortable in, but that is appropriate for your industry. When you are working with high-level executives and other business professionals, it’s best to assume business attire like button up shirts, slacks, and skirts for the first meeting.

Get a Haircut

If you’ve been cooped up for the past year, it might be time to freshen up your style. Even if you travel to connect with your clients, you can easily get a haircut in Washington, D.C., NYC, or even Orlando. Most places have great salons that have reopened, so you no longer need to rock those dark roots or messy layers if you don’t want to. A professional haircut is one way to feel great and to look great when you walk into your in-person client meetings. You can even get professionally styled at salons so you can be sure your hair still looks good for that important client meeting.

Running a small business is filled with challenges. One of them is keeping clients and getting referrals. You need to keep the right mindset to keep going. When you present yourself as a professional to other businesses, you’ll be able to show you are serious about what you do before you even open your mouth. How you present yourself and the content for your clients is as important as the content itself. Don’t give your clients any reason to doubt you or the results you provide.

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