Making the right first impression can be a nervy affair, right? We have all been there. It could have been meeting your partner’s parents for the first time or attending an interview for your dream job. Getting off on the right foot is crucial. Did you know that it takes an average of seven seconds for someone to make their judgement on you? That is not long at all, is it?
Here, we will walk you through just how you should make your perfect opening impression in those all-important business meetings.
Be Punctual
Your clients will have a busy schedule so make sure you don’t waste vital moments by not being punctual. If your meeting is planned for a set time, turn up early. America’s former president, Eisenhower, was famous for his ‘when to arrive for a meeting’ philosophy, which meant that if you weren’t 10 minutes early for the meeting, then you were late.
Being early can also avoid placing unnecessary stress on your shoulders as you can get used to your surroundings. This can be crucial if you need to present to your potential clients.
Dress Appropriately
Dressing appropriately may sound like an obvious statement, but the right outfit really can help you go a long way. After all, if the shoe was on the other foot, do you think you would pay attention and sign a contract if the person standing in front of you was unkept? Probably not, so steer clear of those Converse trainers and ripped jeans — it is important to dress like the professional you are trying to portray yourself as.
If you are a man, be sure to look looking clean and crisp throughout your outfit. There are many men’s suits available that, when paired with the right shoes, will give the impression that you are proud of your appearance and are likely to take pride in your client’s needs, too. Women can also benefit from tailored clothing that feature conservative colours and patterns. For example, dark grey or navy should be staple colours in your outfit choice.
Body Language
Again, while it should be second nature, many people overlook the importance of body language. Be sure to smile, shake everyone’s hand who is in the meeting and keep good eye contact. Smiling will put potential clients at ease, offering a warm impression of yourself, while firmly shaking hands can command respect. Keeping eye contact portrays you as a positive person, while those who avoid eye contact can sometimes be seen as being ‘shifty’ or rude — not ideal for a business meeting!
Pronunciation
It is vital you don’t mumble. Nobody likes needing to continuously ask what it was you said. If this happens, your client could become frustrated, which will take away from all the good that may occur in your meeting. Having an accent won’t matter as long as you are clearly annunciating your words.
It is easier to get your point across when you speak clearly and it will make your meeting run more smoothly and, let’s face it, the smoother the meeting, the more likely you are to land that elusive deal! It also allows you to build a relationship via small talk. Again, speaking clearly enables this to happen, as if they don’t understand you, they won’t engage.
Vehicle Choice
Were you are that first impressions can sometimes begin before you even walk through the door? We have all heard of stereotypes revolving around certain types of car, but did you ever think about how this may affect any potential business deals? Audis are often stereotypically linked to businessmen and women, meaning that those who drive an Audi E Tron are thought to be in the business industry. This can have a positive impact on any potential clients who see you pull up!
You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression...
So, there is a quick five-step plan that can help you land that crucial business deal. Remember, don’t drive a ‘boy-racer’ style car to your meeting, arrive early, dress snappy, be open and friendly, and make sure everyone can understand you! Master these points and you will have a great chance of getting the result you are looking for.
In the over-crowded business world, being forgotten is easy. So, no matter what all marketing tools you use to promote your business, business cards are the most effective and irreplaceable form of direct marketing that can create a memorable first impression on your prospective clients.
As The Saying Goes, ‘First Impression Is The Last Impression.’
Your business cards say a lot about you and the style of your business to a broader audience. Even the minutest details like the way your business card has been put together can show a lot about your commitment to your clients. It is often the gap between success and failure with your business venture. So choose your business card wisely and ensure you leave a lasting impression.
Be Transparent About Your Business…Literally.
Clear photography business cards, a unique, striking business card with all the essential information, made to grab the attention of your prospect and help you remain at the top of their mind.
Transparent business cards are the latest trends in the market and help you achieve the desired impact you want on your clients. Unlike traditional business cards, these clear photography business cards can genuinely distinguish your brand from your competitors, giving you the edge over others.
Beautiful And Bold
Striking, attractive, elegant, classy, sophisticated.... These gorgeous looking transparent business cards might look like delicate pieces of art, but these basic business cards are made of high-quality, durable plastic that makes it sturdy enough to handle a lot of abuse.
So, this is not just the newest innovation in the basic business cards printing industry but also one of the smartest that doesn’t just stand out but also creates a sense of desire in people to have them.
Clear business cards have also become the need for the hour for several industries like banking, insurance, finance, and others, who want to build a transparent relationship with their clients. However, these cards are not just restricted to these industries alone and are highly customizable to meet the requirement of any and every business.
How To Get Your Clear Photography Business Card
The traditional way to get your business card designed and printed is a hassle you definitely would want to avoid. Instead, the best way to create your basic clear business card is to DIY. Here is why:
A. It is Easy
B. It is Trending.
Wondering How To ‘Do It Yourself’?
Yes, there was a time when having a clear business card was accessible to a select few, but with the times being changed, anyone today, within a few minutes, can create their own, personalized clear photography business card. With basic business card printing websites users, today have the freedom to design and print their own clear photography business cards online, from a wide array of design choices that are also easy on their wallet.
So design your own sophisticated, gorgeous, well-designed Clear Photography Business Cards and get set to break the clutter, stand out and grab attention, creating the Perfect First Impression.
Whether it’s a creamy berry quinoa parfait or a Mediterranean morning scramble washed down with an avocado protein shake, power breakfasts are all the rage. Within the minds of many business men and women of the 21st century, health is a priority, which had us thinking – what exactly do high-flying professionals want to be served to them at corporate events and business meetings? Let’s be honest, the entire success of the day might hinge on the mid-afternoon buffet, so for a catering company, deciphering between Danish pastries and dauphinoise potatoes can prove to be crucial.
Together with Flogas Shop, the top suppliers of gas for BBQs, The Lean Startup Life Blog lists our 7 quirky catering ideas for corporate events and business meetings to impress your guests.
Afternoon Tea
In a nutshell, the traditional cheese and ham, or egg and cress sandwiches, despite be often delicious comfort food, aren’t going to be impressive to your guests. However, that doesn’t mean the traditional lunch choice of sandwiches is somehow defunct. In fact, there exist a number of fillings that will get heads turning and bellies rumbling, although plain white bread probably won’t make the slice.
Why not try spicy roasted shrimp with chipotle avocado mayonnaise, or a fiery Mexican BLT on a freshly baked sourdough, which are two of our favorites? Or, if you want to take your sandwich expression to the next level, call upon Philadelphian eatery, Elsie’s, for some inspiration. Have you ever found yourself wishing you got a bit more bite (of pickle) for your buck? Well, using Elsie’s method that won’t be a concern, as this deli substitutes bread for the brine-soaked vegetable!
We’re not expecting you to serve up traditional English breakfast tea with your funky sandwiches, instead call upon the likes of a lemon drizzle or Turkish apple-infused hot drink. And to finish — well, we don’t think anyone would begrudge a well-baked slice of Victoria sponge.
Bowl Food
This concept was featured at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding day. Much like Ronseal, bowl food does exactly what it says on the tin. Featuring somewhere between the unfulfilling canopy and the food-baby delivering main course, bowl food can feature any cuisine and is served in a hand-sized dish with a small fork. As a serving method, this is perhaps the most ideal for a corporate event as it allows people to continue mingling, rather than be restricted to one table.
Buddha Bowl
If your event takes place in the morning, then trad-fry up has somewhat lost its appeal in recent years – but this is exactly where bowl food comes into its own, stepping up and away from the conventional norm. Layer the base of your bowl with pan fried spinach, and top it with tomatoes, avocados, and poached eggs — add sliced chipolatas and lardons to cater for the meat eaters among us. After this, the multiple minds will be fueled for the rest of the day, and the creative juices more than flowing.
For winter events, don’t be afraid to serve up something a bit homely. A small portion of steak pieces, carrot, parsnip, onion, and root mash will trump most competition. However, a Christmas time vegan favorite is curried garbanzo beans with roasted Brussels sprouts. Mix the dish up with radish, avocado, sweet potato and tahini, and serve over a base of quinoa.
BBQ
For events taking place during the warmer months, why not take the catering outdoors? Okay, admittedly, this one might take a little longer, but we can guarantee it will reap rewards. Full of omega 3 and scientifically proven to be good for the brain, the humble fish is a popular choice among young professionals. Jamie Oliver has coined a fantastic recipe of barbequed trout wrapped in newspaper — incredibly high in protein, it will prove to be a hit with any of the health conscious too. Alternatively, if you want to take things ‘truly Down Under’, you can’t do much better than shrimp on a stick, also known famously as "on the barbie"!
Of course, you aren’t limited to a seafood barbeque too. Breakfast has proved to be successful cooked on the grill at events in recent years, as has the popular vegetarian dish, halloumi and tzatziki.
Asian Inspired
Did you know, Britain’s most favorite dish, chicken tikka masala actually originated in the UK, produced by South Asian restaurants here. Spice up your event with some traditional Asian culture and draw upon the combination of intense flavors. The Curry Squad, a company based just outside of London, has been bringing its street food sensations to the people of the capital for the past six years. Drawing upon their vast knowledge of flavors from cities such as Bombay and Lahore, the chefs offer an authentic Indian experience. Some of their specialties include ‘bhaji bites’, ‘popping candy gol gappas’, and ‘amritsari rajme chole’.
Fire Up The Pan
What’s amazing about paella, particular for likes of corporate business events, is the fact that it requires minimal effort, produces a taste explosion and can be incredibly cheap to make. Grab some frozen seafood mix, risotto rice, chorizo sausage, lemon and lime, and herbs and spices — it really is up to you. Fortunately, with paella, you can get creative as it really depends on the taste preferences of the guests. White or red wine can be added, but bear in mind the rest of a creative afternoon before dashing half a bottle in.
Branded Food
An unusual concept, which we wouldn’t be shocked if it hasn’t graced your presence at your business events. A clover in the foam of a pint of Guinness always appeared to be somewhat of a sneaky marketing ploy as you indulged in the first sip. However, if you are trying to conduct a bit of subliminal messaging, this might be exactly what you’re after. Stencils can be used as a way to write your company or organisations name in coffee, or call upon the likes of Branding Irons to develop a customized food stamp. Bagels, burgers, and pancakes will never be the same.
Picnic
You’ll need to have the MET office on your side for this one, so we would strongly suggest having a contingency plan in place, if, like Travis, it always rains on you. You can pull it out of the bag with a wicker basket, complete with blanket, coffee, and a selection of Danish pastries.
Corporate Catering Done Right
Above, we have run through seven of the numerous ideas you can apply to your next corporate event — in this dog eat dog world, it is all about success, and that is exactly what these concepts will deliver! Impress your guests with the best corporate catering planning that your lean startup can afford. Make sure your event excels with creative catering!
