12/ 27/ 2006
In a perfect world, your work would speak for itself. But like it or not, your clients won't be judging your output alone but also your appearance and attitude. These are especially important when you're first breaking into your field, so take a look at the tips below to be sure you're making the best impression you can.
Dress for success
Dress codes vary for different types of businesses, of course, but overdressing is almost always preferable to looking too casual. If you paint houses, for example, no one would expect you to come by and give them a bid in a suit and tie--but you shouldn't show up in paint-splattered overalls, either. A button-down shirt and slacks will always give the impression that you are serious about presenting yourself in a professional manner, which will automatically translate into a positive message about your business.
Other items to generally avoid: sweatpants, flip-flops and your beloved college sweatshirt. Save those for your 8 a.m. lecture. You don't want your clients to think of you as a college student but as an entrepreneur. If you're not quite sure how to dress, visit some other businesses in your field to figure out the range of appropriate styles.
Client appropriate presentation
If the client you're visiting happens to be a tattoo artist, your nose ring can probably stay in. If she's a retired kindergarten teacher, perhaps it would be best to take it out. Speaking of tattoos, if you have any, keep them covered during client interactions--unless you're dealing with musicians who might bond with you by comparing designs. The point is this: Always give some thought about whom you are meeting and present yourself in a way that will make them feel comfortable around you.
Professionalism
You'll likely get clients you've never met through referrals, so make sure your answering machine doesn't sound as if you recorded the outgoing message in the midst of a frat party. Return phone calls and e-mails right away and keep your messages polite and to the point. Otherwise, you may never get a chance to make a good impression face-to-face.
If you're late for a client meeting, they'll have a bad impression of you before you even walk through the door. Always be on time, and if you're running late, call. Apologize and let them know when you'll be there. Once you arrive, turn off your cell phone, indicating that the client has your full attention.
Play offense, not defense
Especially if your clients are coming to you from places outside of your friends and family circle, they might be skeptical about working with someone so young. If this is the case, don't get defensive. Once they know what you're capable of, they'll forget what year you were born. Until then, play off any of your client's insecurities with assurances that you understand business. Tell them, for example, that you started a paper route when you were 12, or how you were the babysitter who actually saved money for your college fund. The very fact that you're a college student with your own business demonstrates your seriousness and dedication--make sure you convey that selling point to your clients.
Finally, none of this advice is meant to encourage you to be different from who you normally are around your clients, it's just to remind you to put your most professional self forward. Once you've gone to the hard work of starting a business, it's important to reap all the rewards you can. One of the best ways to do this is by marketing in an attractive manner the best asset you have: yourself.
