You only have one chance to make a first impression, especially when it comes to meeting clients. There’s no single way to leave a good first impression, but there are some small details that show you have it all together that always help.
Let’s say you’ve got your pitch down and you’re dressed to impress. Is that all you have to offer? Where’s your business card and is it easy to just pull out? Do you have a notebook where you can take notes during the meeting? It’s all a part of being perceived as organized and professional and you could even say those little details matter more than your designer suit.
Stick around to see 6 essential items every professional should keep on hand for client meetings. And no, we’re not talking about basic office supplies – it’s more!
When it comes to client meetings, you have to be prepared and that means more than having your presentation ready.
Here’s what to keep with you.
Business cards still carry a lot of weight and you never know when you might need to hand one over, so keep them organized and easy to grab. A professional business card holder prevents your business cards from getting lost or bent in the bag, and it makes handing one smooth and effortless. And if you think this is an exaggeration, think about it – how do you look when you’re fumbling through your wallet or pockets to find a business card? Isn’t it much better to pull a neat card out from a sleek holder?
Choose a business card holder that reflects your style, but that’s still professional. A simple leather case is always a good idea, but even a modern metal design can elevate your image.
You’ll need some way to take notes during a meeting because that shows engagement and commitment to understanding what your client needs. Also, it makes sure you don’t forget anything. A traditional notebook is a classic and if it’s a stylish, quality one, even better.
But you could also go with a tablet. Both keep you organized, so just choose one that works for you.
This seems like such a small detail, but imagine a stylish guy, dressed in a great suit, pulling out a Hello Kitty pen to sign a contract and you’ll see why a pen matters. It’s just one of those items that make you look more put together and professional. An elegant pen can elevate the moment, but a Hello Kitty one? Well, you’ll get some laughs, sure, but you won’t leave a very good impression.
You don’t need a luxury pen, just something that’s simple, feels solid in your hand, and writes smoothly. A nice pen can subtly signal that you pay attention to the finer details, which everybody appreciates.
No, this doesn’t mean a perfume, a new iPhone or anything even remotely extravagant because you’ll just make the meeting awkward. Client gifts are small items that show appreciation and make business relationships stronger.
An insurance and registration holder, for example, is practical because it keeps your client’s documents organized. It’s simple, functional, and adds a personal touch to your business relationship. A personalized notebook or a pen will work, too, because they also blend practicality with a personal touch.
Phones and tablets are all around us and we use them for everything, so make sure you have a charger on hand for every meeting. If you run out of battery during a meeting, it’s not the end of the world, but it sort of ruins the flow and puts a damper on everything. And even if you have your normal charger with you, you’ll still need to find an outlet for it, so a portable one is a much better option.
Get a compact, high-capacity charger you can easily slip into your bag or briefcase. This way, your devices will stay alive and you’ll be able to stay focused on the meeting.
These are more than just functional – they speak volumes about your professionalism. A good portfolio keeps your documents in order and makes it easy to pull them out without scrambling. A quality briefcase leaves an even better impression on other people because it adds a touch of sophistication to your whole persona.
It’s the kind of accessory that exudes confidence and who doesn’t love that?
Apart from having the right tools, you also need the right accessories to impress the clients. It’s the little things that stand out the most and, even though your expertise is what’s truly important, let’s be honest – you’re not the only expert in town and you need to set yourself apart from the competition somehow.
So, upgrade your meeting game because who doesn’t want to be remembered as the most stylish, organized person in the room?
