. It only takes seven seconds for most people to make a first impression of another individual. You have to nail the first interaction within these few seconds if you’re attending a business conference. After all, one chance is all you’ve got to make a first impression.
The first image you project will determine whether other professionals are willing to network with you. The good news is that you’re in full control of the impression you make when you first meet your associates at a business conference.
So how do you start on the right foot? Read on to learn useful tips to help you make a great business conference first impression.
Get to the Venue on Time
Ensure that you time your entrance to the venue appropriately. While it’s okay to arrive a few minutes early, it is unacceptable to get to the conference when it’s already ongoing.
Sneaking into a business conference late will reflect poorly on your ability to set priorities. People may even brand you as the “person who showed up late” before you even get a chance to tell them who you are.
If you don’t know your way to the conference venue, you should make plans to get there on time. You can consider hiring transportation services from a reputable company with drivers who know their way around the area. If you’re traveling as a group, you can opt for group transportation services from companies like Premier International Transportation.
Dress Appropriately
If you ask anyone how to make a good first impression, the first thing that comes to mind is making the best physical appearance. Nothing matters more in appearance than how you’re dressed.
Since a conference is a professional event, it’s best to stick to official wear. We’re talking about suits, blazers, ties, appropriate shoes, and everything else non-casual. If you opt for a suit, ensure it doesn’t have obnoxious or loud patterns.
When thinking about what to wear, ask yourself what other conference attendees will most likely wear. Aim to match their dressing style. Don’t forget to groom yourself by doing your hair, nails, and smelling nice.
Be Attentive to Others
Make sure you fully focus on the person or people you’re addressing. Listen attentively to what they say and allow yourself to be fully present with them.
It’s the only way you’ll catch and remember their name. Being attentive will also help you respond appropriately to their questions.
Put your phone away so that you focus all your attention on the people you’re conversing with. If you start responding to messages and receiving calls, your audience will feel that other people are more important to you.
They’ll get the same negative impression if you start getting sidetracked by other conference attendees. This is an impression you won’t overcome when you meet your conference partners, even in the future.
Watch Your Body Language
Your body language might make a bigger professional first impression than what you say. This is why you should pay attention to things like your posture, facial expressions, and eye contact. A business conference is not the place to start biting your nails.
Let your body language send a message that you’re confident. At the business conference, stand tall, straighten your back, and make eye contact when communicating with other professionals.
Don’t forget to pause when speaking and don’t try to dominate the conversation. Smile slowly but genuinely during talks. These gestures will project an image of confidence and encourage others to feel more at ease when interacting with you.
Maintaining eye contact will also show that you’re paying attention to what others say. As a result, it‘ll be easier for them to connect with you. However, ensure that the eye contact is not too prolonged, as this can make a person feel uncomfortable.
Vary Your Tone and Body Language
A key element in the list of how to make a good impression is altering your tone and body language to mimic that of your audience. This means you should copy the behavior of the person in front of you.
Ensure you observe and notice the body language and tone of any professional you’re speaking with during the conference. Then, reciprocate when you talk to the individual.
For instance, if a business associate talks to you in a soft and calm voice, match this tone with a slow conversation. Likewise, if the person makes small talk, continue the conversation by taking a few minutes to learn something about their personal life.
Don’t try to shut down the small talk by introducing business matters or starting a serious conversation. You might create the impression that you don’t care about anything besides business life. No one at the conference will invite you to play golf or support a charitable organization in the future.
Talk Solutions
When attending a business conference, you’ll be meeting other experts who are well versed in opportunities and trends in your industry. So, how do you stand out from the pack?
The best way is to offer solutions to some of the audience’s challenges. There may be potential clients in the crowd, and you should grab any opportunity to convert them.
Start by identifying which problems you’re experienced at solving. Be specific and talk about the approach you have used or can use to address any problem highlighted at the conference. It would be better if you showed the results you’ve achieved.
People will notice you and be more interested in your brand if they learn that you can be valuable. They’ll remember you for your expertise and the good work you’re doing to solve problems in your business area.
Make the Best First Impression at Your Business Conference
If you’re stressed about how to seem professional at your upcoming business conference, worry no more. We’ve given you simple tips that can help you create a stunning first impression when you meet other professionals at the conference. Start by implementing these hacks to build stronger relationships with your associates. If you enjoyed reading the article, browse our website for more interesting content
