As salespeople you know the three second rule – that people are forming opinions about you in the first three seconds of meeting you. However, in this digital age people are now forming opinions about you before you even meet. Are you making the right impression before the meeting?
Here are 10 tips to keep you making the right impression:
Online Profile:
- Make sure that your online profile especially on LinkedIn is professional. Executives will research those that they are scheduled to meet with. They want to know if this person is worth their time. Keep your online profile up to date.
- Restrict your privacy on Facebook and other social sites. You do not want business associates having access to questionable information about you.
- Have someone take a professional photo of you to use on social media for business. Keeping in mind that you are a brand. Your image is important.
Email:
Often we are involved in a conversation with someone via email before we meet face to face.
- Always check for spelling and grammatical errors
- Make organization a priority. Confirm meeting times and agendas through email.
- Be simple and concise. No one wants to read long- winded emails.
Voicemail:
- Double up on communication. Send an email and leave a voicemail confirming meeting details. Each person has their own preferred ways of communicating. As you learn more about the other person you will learn which method of communication they prefer.
- Leave all the necessary details in the voicemail or if too much instruction then reference the email for the details.
- Speak clearly
- Keep it simple
Before you meet face to face your prospect is forming an opinion about you. Let it be the right opinion!