February 14, 2025
Starting a new client engagement?
First impressions set the tone for the entire relationship.
Here’s what you need to know.
Professional Appearance
Make sure you and your environment look the part.
Your Zoom background should be professional and free of distractions, with any personal matters out of sight.
Professionally, dress at or above the level of your client or new employer.
Short of a tuxedo, you can’t really go wrong.
If you’re not meeting anyone, you can be a bit more casual than for an in-person meeting.
Just make sure you’re dressing at or above the level of the people you’ll be meeting with.
Research and Experience
Research is crucial, as well as explaining to the client that you’ve done this before.
Make sure you know the stakeholder you’re meeting with and confidently demonstrate that you’ve done this job before and are proficient in the area.
Expectations
Communicate actions and deadlines thoroughly.
Every time you meet someone for the first time, it’s anchoring on how you’re going to work best.
So a great strategy is to make sure you are over communicating on expectations.
A very simple follow-up email after the meeting is helpful to set expectations, and it gives the new employer or client confidence.
Conclusion
By focusing on professional presentation, demonstrating your expertise, and maintaining clear communication from day one, you’ll establish a strong foundation for a productive client relationship.
These three strategies not only make a positive first impression but create a framework for ongoing success.
If you’re looking for more tips, follow more on LinkedIn for more content like this.