10 tips to improve business image
DESCRIPTION
As you focus on growing your business, do you consider the relevance of the way your business is perceived as important? Your communication and the image you present, both personally and your business itself, create your first impression, and unfortunately, sometimes your last impression. Studies reveal that most people make their decisions within the first 30 seconds to two minutes. We have long heard “you only have one chance to make a first impression”. While you may have impeccable skills and qualifications to perform a service or sell a product, you may not make it past the “first impression” if you have not given serious attention to you professional image. You may not only be cutting yourself short of an initial sale, but also repeat and referral business. Your goal in personal and business presentation is to avoid negative distractions to move others past the outside and focus on the inside, so that the attention is on you, your business and what you have to say. You want to be noticed, recognized and have a positive influence on others. While opinions will differ on the relevance of importance of the different image aspects depending on your business type and products, it is important that you and your business convey success. If you fail to present a sharp, successful, professional image, why should your prospect expect to get anything different from your product or service? Like it or not, your personal and business presentation can distinguish your abilities, credibility and success by most. If you are remiss in the details, you may be losing significant business.TRANSCRIPT
10 Tips To Improve Business Image
Presented by
Corporate Office Centers
Dress for success
You need to look professional to be perceived as professional
Professional appearance inspires confidence
Be simple – avoid extreme fashion that can be distracting
Phone Appearance
Opinions can be formed from tone of phone voice
First phone impressions are as important as first personal impressions
Have phone professionally answered if possible
Radiate positive tone and spirit
Voice Mail Messages
Leave complete message that includes name and phone number
Be concise with information – do not ramble with too much information
Speak slowly and repeat you number at the end of the message
Marketing Collateral
Follow fundamental design principles Clean and simple with consistent branded
feel Use professional images Make sure branding and image is
consistent
Website
Look and feel sets mood and readies visitor to listen
Simple and elegant Guide visitor to what is important Consider hiring a professional to ensure
your web image is technically savvy
Business Address
Physical address adds credibility Perceives reliable business Clients have alternate address to home
address Professional meeting place other than
home, coffee or sandwich shops
Email Address
Secure domain name and email address (i.e. [email protected] vs. [email protected])
Enhances technical sophistication Shows seriousness about venture
Written Communications
Take time to proof - spelling and grammatical errors reflect poorly on organization
Use professional letter formatting Verify facts Practice transparency with information
Email Etiquette
Use proper grammar and punctuation Avoid slang words, abbreviations and
symbols such as smiley faces Do not write emails if you are upset – use
the “sleep on it” rule before responding
Image Matters
Affect whether or not someone will return to you Affects current and future business (repeat
business and referrals) Positive image will transform into success,
credibility and professionalism People will trust and want to do business with
you
Office Business Centers throughout the United States, providing office space, meeting rooms and virtual offices by the hour, day, week, month and longer to accommodate businesses large and small with instant, flexible workplaces.
Instant Offices Meeting Rooms Professional Telephone Answering Administrative Services Business Addresses
Headquarters:
2000 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 600
Arlington, TX 76006
817.588.3000
www.corporateofficecenters.com