Business Tip: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

Creating a compelling and memorable impression of your business is an integral part of any company’s success. Whether it’s to reach potential customers, build contacts, or just present your brand in a positive light, it’s important to create a great and lasting impression on everyone you meet. Here are some easy, practical tips on how to do just that every day.

A Simple Smile Goes a Long Way

Into today’s busy, tech-infused world, people do not interact face to face as much as before. Even when people are physically around one another, they are not truly present and are instead texting on their devices or scrolling social media. So when you do get the rare moment of actual interaction with someone, make sure to give a genuine smile. You might have a lot on your mind, too, but that person will remember a friendly smile. If he or she encounters your business or brand, the memory is going to be a positive one.

Eye Contact Is Still Important

Making eye contact is still important, whether it’s through a video conference, a face-to-face meeting, or even something as simple as an interaction at the checkout line in the grocery store. Taking time to look at the person you are interacting with or speaking with and giving direct, friendly eye contact acknowledges that person and makes him or her feel valued as a person. Treating other people with that simple respect for making eye contact is another small gesture that can have a big potential impact.

Be Courteous and Go the Extra Mile

No one wants to do business with a company that’s only out for their own profits and bottom line, so it’s important to show courtesy and care when you meet other people. Simply holding the door open for someone is a great start; it shows you value others and can generate a sense of trust should people turn to your brand or company. When possible, go the extra mile that proves your brand values people over profits.

Be Positive in Your Conversations

Whether you have an established business or are running a start-up, there are sure to be ups and downs. However, it’s important to keep things positive when meeting other people. Don’t share negative information about your company or complain about employees. Instead, focus on the positive and highlight your company’s successes, growths, and achievements. If you must discuss a negative experience, portray the positive aspects of it, such as how it helped the company grow or learn something new. Even better, shed a positive light on the other person by inquiring about his or her business. This will allow you to create a positive impression by your attentiveness to others and your desire to learn more about other businesses in your industry or similar ones.

Present a Neat, Professional Appearance at All Times

When representing a business or brand, it’s important to keep a neat and professional appearance. Make sure to wear appropriate business or business casual clothes to conferences, meetings, or networking events. Casual clothing should still be neat, in good condition, and not in need of repair. You never know when you could meet a potential investor or a future customer, so keeping your appearance in line with how you want to portray your business can go a long way in making a memorable impression.

Stand Out With Logo Apparel

To go a step further, wear classy business or casual clothing that displays the company logo whenever possible. Custom business workwear can really stand out. Whether your company’s name and logo are put on custom uniform work hoodies, polo shirts, custom company hats, or tailored work jackets, wearing the brand makes it more visible and will create a lasting impression on those you meet. Make the encounter even more valuable by providing those that you meet with a logo pen, custom business card, or some other item that has your company name attached. This will help ensure that they not only remember it but that they’ll have the information about the business quickly on hand when they need it.

Get Creative With Promo Items

Another way to make your company memorable is to get creative with things like giveaways and promotional products. People love getting something for free, and they’ll make a positive connection with your company when they get a promo item or are involved in a contest or giveaway. While traditional giveaways are always a great idea, you can stand out even more by doing something expected. Sponsor a local school for a fundraiser and hand out promo items like sling bags to the kids. Hold random contests that aren’t associated with holidays or major sales events and provide giveaway items to customers. Create a podcast with free tips on something associated with your business, and end with an invitation for customers to enter their email for a promo contest. Thinking outside the box is sure to create a lasting impression on potential customers.

Create a Positive, Lasting Impression to Grow Your Business

Positive brand recognition for your business is more important than ever. By using some practical, everyday tips and putting forth that little extra effort, your business will come across as one that customers can trust. That effort will go a long way in growing your business and making a memorable impression on everyone you meet.