Whether it be personal or business, first impressions count. The question is, how can you make the first impression of your business better? Primarily, you have to think about what ‘message’ you want to be conveyed about your business. In my example, I will use ‘quality’ and ‘reputable’. Everyone wants that, right?

NO MESS!

Lets say that ABC Company wants to advertise at a trade show. You see, ABC Company is new to the industry and they need to sell their products. Across the row, XYZ Company is in the same ‘boat’; a new company with little sales. Now lets take a look at the promos they are giving away…keyrings, mouse pads, pens, mugs…looks about the same to me. But look now at the booths. ABC’s booth is messy, with a few plastic letters duct-taped on the wall behind it. The products ABC is giving away are cheap, not-worth-the-ink-on-’em, promos. The reps themselves are a rag-tag bunch of people that look like they want to go home. Now, XYZ Company’s booth is neat and clean with nice metal letters on the wall. The promos are nice, gonna-keep-’em pieces. The reps are all in nice, company-logo-embroidered polos with smiles on their faces.

Think about the two companies…which would you choose? Most people’s impressions of ABC would be that they are NOT someone they want to deal with. XYZ would seem to be more like a reputable company that would be worth the time dealing with them, and trusting them with your business.  All of this can be figured in a few seconds as a company is handing you promos.

This same example can apply for any business. Nice, looks-like-you-care sign letters on a clean building can make a wonderful impression. Cheery and knowledgeable sales reps also help with impressions. And not only in ‘real life’ but a neat, well organized and informational website can work wonders on a company image.

A potentian customer makes a decision in about two seconds as to what business they want to use. Making a good impression makes all the difference!