Creating Impact

Creating the right impact is essential. You can influence how you want your business contact to remember you by altering the first impression. Each situation requires a slightly different focus. You would behave more informally at a party than if you were meeting at a corporate event or in the boardroom.

Your dress should show authority and inspire confidence, but don’t forget you need to express approachability, too. Be clear about the image you want to create. Don’t be fussy – aim to be remembered positively.

Avoid fashion gaffes. Clothes matter and it’s far safer to be well groomed, stylishly dressed and somewhat conservative.

Following high fashion trends is not appropriate in a corporate setting – unless, of course, you are in the fashion industry. Being a Sex in the City look-alike may be desirable in some circumstances but it’s not universally appropriate. Designer labels are a luxury for many, and are not essential.

Your meeting is the first of what you hope will be a mutually rewarding business relationship, so it’s important to choose an outfit that fits well and is comfortable. It should be attractive, flattering and, above all, appropriate to the occasion. Don’t try going for a radical change of image – it’s too risky. Leave the hot pants and gold lamé at home for another occasion.

Clothes that are tight are a nightmare. Not only are they unflattering, they create completely the wrong impression. You’ll probably be a bit apprehensive anyway, so tightly fitting clothes will mean you can’t breathe or move freely. You’ll feel uncomfortable if you eat or drink anything while you’re in the meeting and the last thing you need is any possible embarrassment – such as a button flying off or a zip bursting open.

Don’t forget your feet. If possible, don’t wear new shoes to important business functions. You should avoid shoes that pinch or that have three-inch heels. If you can’t stand or walk comfortably in them, find another pair. Be less ambitious and play safe.

Who knows, you might be asked to accompany your business contact on an inspection of the whole of their new office headquarters, or be kept standing for ages while waiting to meet someone at a reception line-up. You want to be able to glide like a swan, not waddle around like a duck with gout!

Be Outstanding

One of the easiest ways to outshine everyone and appear charming is to smile. Many people have the most wonderful natural smiles, but due to nervousness or apprehension, all that seems to be registering on their faces are the stress muscles.

A smile lights up a face – so use yours to good effect. People who smile give the impression of being pleasant, attractive, sincere and confident. It relaxes those with whom you are making contact.

Good manners never go amiss and that applies both to you and to your business contact. Always use your charm and remember to say thank you.

If you have an appointment, be punctual. On a first meeting the overriding impression should be that you are capable of arriving somewhere on time. If you turn up late, whatever the reason, all that your contact will remember is that you missed the appointment. It could mean that this first encounter will be your last.

However organised you are, to avoid stress allow yourself extra time if you are travelling. If you arrive for your meeting in a fluster and out of breath, you’ll be in the wrong frame of mind to get the most out of the occasion. Appearing cool, calm and collected is well worth the extra investment of a taxi ride if that’s all it takes.