Millennials love to socialize. No doubt about that. This generation of go-getters loves to connect with like-minded people in the hope of amplifying their chances at success in business. With their penchant for both social connections and success, it is only fitting that they learn the trick of the trade when dealing with clients, particularly prospective investors and vendors.
To improve their social graces and stamp good first impression, the following tips come handy.
1. Be punctual and presentable. Always arrive on time, if not ahead of time. When doing so, always come properly dressed with your presentation, proposal or what-have-you perfectly organized. It would be highly inappropriate to keep your clients waiting. If heavy traffic is expected, travel ahead of time. Go for safe fashion choices and have a backup report handy.
2. Be courteous. It is imperative to great a client or clients properly. Interpersonal skills are essential when building client relations. Extend a firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact. When meeting potential clients from a foreign country, it is also imperative that you learn certain customs and traditions to show deep respect. Japanese businessmen, for instance, bow or shake hands while bowing.
3. Be genuinely interested. Listen to a client while he or she speaks. Ask questions. Nod your head to imply approval. Smile when needed, like when a client says a joke. Genuine engagement means you listen and digest what the other party is saying or presenting. People, in general, want to feel that you are genuinely interested to what they are saying.
4. Ask questions but make sure they are relevant. You will obviously come with your own personal agenda but before that, it is essential that you ask questions based on what the client is saying. Identify first what is deemed important by the client. Strike at the main premise of their thoughts and insert your proposed solution. People need solution, but first they want to know that you are listening to them.
5. When meeting over lunch or dinner, or even over casual meet-ups at a coffeeshop or bar, simple but good etiquette must be followed. If you ask for the meeting, pick up the tab. Allow guests to choose the menu and wine or beverage. You may also do appropriate research on clients’ food preference and have a table prepared beforehand. This will show how you value their presence.
6. Always exercise courteousness to everyone. This means, you should not only be polite to the clients but also for others who may be indirectly present during the meeting. Luncheon meetings, for instance, will expose you to the presence of a waiting staff. So make sure to extend good manners to these people.
7. Choose a location that provides excellent food and service without crippling your budget. There are quite a number of restaurants, cafes and watering holes nowadays that can provide you and your clients the privacy needed for the meeting. Make necessary arrangements days prior and call at least an hour prior to the meeting to finalize everything.
8. Like a gracious host, always allow others to start. Basic eating etiquette must also be observed. Do not talk when your mouth is full or chewing with the mouth closed must be taken into mind. Of course, don’t leave a mess.
9. Always steer clear of controversial topics when making small talks. Always keep things on the level, at best, stick to business matters. It is best to ditch controversial subjects or talks centered on partisanship.
10. After the meeting, it is essential to send a confirmation email conveying your gratitude as well as to recap what was agreed upon. Bestow your gratitude for the time provided and reiterate the proposal or business matter at hand. If proposal is accepted, send thanks appropriately.
Most of these client relation etiquettes are taught in school. The main idea is: be respectful to be respected in return. If possible, keep smartphone away during the meeting. Even when silent, it can still prove to be a distraction. Focus accordingly and you will most definitely get what you need.