Did the Zoom attendees arrive and catch me explaining to my dog (Mrs. Lucy Doberman) that she needed to be quiet or would have to leave the room?
I hate that first impressions matter, but unfortunately, they do. Will Rogers knew it when he said, “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.”
The impact on professional services marketing is a serious one.
First impressions can make or break a business relationship. Whether it’s how you appear in person or how you present yourself online, clients form opinions quickly—and those impressions are hard to reverse.
So, what does this mean for you?
👩💻 Professional Online Presence
Whether on LinkedIn, your firm’s website, or social media, your online presence is your virtual handshake. Is your profile picture professional? Is your bio up-to-date, showcasing your current accomplishments?
📩 Appropriate Outreach
When you reach out to connect with people online, include a note, as LinkedIn allows, that says why you want to connect and, if appropriate, what value you offer. Details like these can dramatically influence how you’re perceived from the start.
🏢 New Business Settings
In today’s hybrid work environment, meetings happen in various settings. Yes, the visual counts: If online, is your Zoom background neat and professional? Are you dressed appropriately? Even virtually, people will assess your professionalism based on your surroundings.
🧠 Preparation is Everything
Online or in person, do you spend time to elicit information from your prospect, or do you immediately go into WWGM or “why we’re great mode?” Are you very prepared to discuss the matter and possible approaches, and have you given thought to the questions that might be asked? Do you know what others on the call are dealing with in their own work and personal life?
Remember, first impressions don’t just happen when you meet someone face-to-face—they start the moment someone hears your name or types it into Google.
