How to Appear Professional When You’re Freshly Self-Employed

Starting your own business can be one of the most exhilarating and terrifying times of your life. There are so many decisions to make and your budget can limit your options greatly. Luckily, there are some excellent, budget friendly options out there that can give your new business the professional look you want without having to break the bank.

professional in a suit cutting a red ribbon

Starting your own business can be one of the most exhilarating and terrifying times of your life. There are so many decisions to make and your budget can limit your options greatly. Luckily, there are some excellent, budget friendly options out there that can give your new business the professional look you want without having to break the bank.

Connecting with Your Client

When you meet a prospect for the first time, they will be sizing you up on a few areas:

  • How knowledgeable and experienced are you in your business and field?
  • Do you have a plan for how you can help them?
  • Are you bringing something to the relationship that they can’t do for themselves?
  • Are you professional?

Knowing Your Business

One of the best ways to appear professional to your new clientele is to know your business. Be prepared with information on every aspect of the services you can provide.

And not just the good aspects of your business, but the challenging aspects may need to be addressed with clients. You don’t have to share challenges, but be prepared for any question that may arise. Don’t sugarcoat challenges because that can come back to bite you later.

Be sure to point out how much you have to offer your customer or what they may be missing if they don’t do business with you. Being able to answer questions about your business with confidence shows you take your business serious. Clients will be assured by your professionalism.

Know Your Client

Another way to make a good impression is by taking the time to get to know them before you meet them.  Maybe you do this by researching their industry, or their business.  If that’s not possible, then you start off asking them to tell you more about what they do.

Find out what potential clients are looking for and build a business plan that covers options for a wide variety of clients. Limiting services or products will also limit your customer base, thus limiting your potential for income. Clients will appreciate that you took the time and effort to find out what their needs are.

Be Valuable

When you are building your business, show your customer you can offer them something that will be valuable to them.

For example, if you are in advertising, show your client what you have to offer that they may not be able to do themselves. They will appreciate knowing you are putting their business in the limelight in ways they never could have imagined.

If you open a bakery make it a special experience. A potential customer can make chocolate chip cookies at home or buy them at the grocery store. Buying from your store will be for the quality or experience. Make it special for them.

Show them your professional side by providing an atmosphere that shows your passion for your business.

Appearance Matters

Appearance is a huge plus in the eyes of customers. Do you know why there’s a saying “dress for success“? Because it works!

Even if you aren’t in an office setting all the time or have a business based out of your home, be prepared to make business contacts daily. You never know who you may run into while running to the grocery store or standing in line at the bank.

This concept goes for a professional meeting atmosphere as well. If you have a business that requires you to meet with clients or customers but an office space is a little out of your budget don’t resort to crowded coffee shops or noisy restaurants.

Office spaces and meeting rooms can be rented for short periods of time without a long term commitment. Customers want to know they have your attention and you are able to focus on their needs. If you’re discussing confidential information, you definately want a private space where confidential information is kept confidential.

Put it into Action

These are just a few things a new business owner can do to appear professional:

  • Know your business.
  • Know your client.
  • Be valuable.
  • Appearance matters.

These tips can help boost business and build a faithful clientele.

And of course, if you want a professional mailing address, plus access to private meeting space that will keep you out of noisy coffee shops, give us a call to book a tour for our Virtual or Physical Office Spaces.

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