According to Business Insider, it takes just 0.1 seconds to form a lasting impression of a stranger. Now, we have heard several different estimates about how long it takes to make a first impression, but one thing remains constant: a stranger or perspective client forms a lasting opinion of your employees and your business in an instance. And it takes far more than a split second to change someone’s first impression. So what kind of first impression are you making?
How Do Prospects Measure You?
The way you and your employees present themselves as a profound impact on your business. This includes your body language, how you speak, and, of course, how you dress. So here are several tips to help your business improve its image and make the best first impression.
- Better late than never doesn’t apply here: Remember the saying “better late than never?” Well, forget it. When it comes to business, being late is not an option, especially when dealing with a new or potential customer.
- Choose your words wisely: According to several studies, as much of 7% of a stranger’s first impression of your employees is based on what they say. But it is not just what you say, it is how you say it. In fact, 38% of a person’s first impression is determined by tone of voice.
- Act like you want to be there: How you stand, sit, shake hands, or otherwise communicate in a non-verbal manner matters. According to one study, as much as 93% of a person’s first impression is based on non-verbal communication, such as body language.
- Clothes make the man: According to psychology studies, 55% of a stranger’s opinion – a potential customer’s opinion – is determined by physical appearance: clothes. This is why many savvy business owners have taken it upon themselves to outfit their employees in uniforms.
Uniform Rental from Lord Baltimore
For over thirty years, Lord Baltimore has provided outstanding uniform rental service to Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are driven to provide responsive, attentive, professional customer service above and beyond uniform rental industry standards at a price you can handle.
For more tips on improving your business, please read our previous blog for more Bad Habits that could be costing your Business.
If you have any questions about how to Make a Better First Impression and Increase Sales or to find out if Uniform Rental is the right choice for your business, please contact Joe Bateman at Lord Baltimore Uniform at 800-292-1224 or visit LordBaltimoreUniform.com. You can also follow Lord Baltimore onFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.