Make your first impression count. As they say, you only have one chance to make a good first impression, especially if you are a freelancer vying for a client’s business. Even an “okay” impression could cost you a project or new client. There is no shortage of freelancers who are competing for the same projects and clients as you.
“In business interactions, first impressions are crucial. While you can’t stop people from making snap decisions – the human brain is hardwired in this way as a prehistoric survival mechanism,” says Carol Kinsey Goman on Forbes.
You need to be on your game at all times and put the best foot forward each time you interact with a potential client or new business acquaintance, regardless of which medium you choose to conduct your interaction.
Most client interactions start with email. Either you email a client about an opportunity, or they email you because they are interested in your services. How you reply to emails can make or break your chance of winning their business. Even if you are only sending a short reply, it’s very important to make an impression.
Tips:
- Answer all of the questions the client asks
- Thank them for connecting with you
- Spell check!
- Ask them if they would like to follow up the email with a phone call or meeting in person
Phone
While cold calls are less common today than they were a decade ago, phone meetings with clients are still very common. Whether they call you out of the blue or you set up a phone call from a previous email communication, this is your opportunity to make an impression and put a voice to your name.
Tips:
- Answer the phone in a professional manner (have a professional voice mail message)
- Prepare for the call – research the company, be ready to discuss your services and how you can help them
- Be authoritative – sound like the expert that you are
- Avoid cutting them off
- Do be too casual (and don’t swear!)
- Have your call in a place where there is minimal background noise (no dogs barking in the background)
Meeting In-Person
When meeting a client in person for the first time, how you present yourself is vital. According to the American Psychological Association, “A 2009 study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that factors ranging from clothing style to posture play a role in how impressions are formed. Another study, in the April 2011 issue of Social Influence, found that a limp handshake can make you appear overly passive. Having a handle on the kinds of impressions you make can go a long way toward advancing your career.”
Everything from how you look, what you say, how you interact with others, and your demeanor will all play a role in your client’s’ perception of you.
Tips:
- Research the client to get a sense of their company culture
- Dress appropriately
- Be on time
- Come prepared – have a laptop, book to take notes, business cards
Online
Online video chats through Skype, FaceTime, and other online video conference software have become commonplace for freelancers. Treat these meetings as if they were in person meetings.
- Dress the part
- Be on time and make sure all technology is working properly beforehand
- Have all your documents and reference material ready
- Test your webcam and make sure you have a professional backdrop
Following these tips will help you make a good first impression on clients and business contacts. A good impression through email can lead to a phone call, an in person meeting, and then a new client contract. Treat each communication with the utmost importance.
