The power of first impressions

Article written by Jane Buswell on 3 Oct, 2012 in Articles, Articles by guest writers, By/For Therapists, Professional practice | 0 comments

Photo by mynameisharsha: flic.kr/p/5s24kK

How good are you at making a good first impression?

If you’re working in the area of health and wellbeing you need to look… um… healthy and well for a start!

I’ve actually had a conversation with someone who was impressed by a health product but did not get it because they thought the person promoting it did not look at all well!

What we’re talking about is walking the talk – and it applies to all businesses, including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and complementary wellbeing.

Please choose me…

We know that clients sometimes choose their therapist on the basis of: ‘Well, I liked the look of the photo on your website!’. However that might grate on us – surely our clients are choosing us for our expertise rather than our looks! – these first impressions are important.

Is the first impression you’re making in tune with the quality and professionalism of your unique therapy business?

Are you looking good enough?

Of course therapy is about far more than just ‘first impressions’ and surface appearances, but we all make assumptions and even judgments in those first few moments of meeting someone or seeing their photo, and so it’s important to make sure the first impressions are good ones.

One thing you may not have considered before is checking whether you’re wearing the right colours to bring out the best in you. The best-known organisations are www.houseofcolour.co.uk and www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk both of which have local representatives.

Does that sound like a self-indulgent thing to do? I believe it’s essential that you come across as a vibrant energised persona and wearing beige when beige drains you is not going to help!

‘Cheap and cheerful’ doesn’t cut it

What is your business card like? Does it look as if you have a busy and thriving practice meaning that you can afford a card that looks and feel nice? Or does it look home-made or of poor quality – creating the impression that so few clients come to you that you cannot afford to get a decent card designed and printed?

Similarly your website – does it look slick and professional or does it look like your teenage son did it as a school project? You don’t need to pay a lot of money to get a decent site done. Yes, getting one done by the professionals will undoubtedly help in getting their advice about good client engagement across the internet.

But if you’re having to control the spending just now you can find no-charge templates that look very nice, using blogging software such as www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com

Picture power

How are the photos on your website, in your marketing materials and on your social networks? Do they show you and your business to the best advantage or are they a bit out of date, slightly out of focus and something you meant to change ages ago…

How many client testimonials are you displaying – if you have none, how will someone new know that you’re any good when they first read your flyer or click onto your website?

Bottom line…?

You might be lovely, smashing at your business and the perfect person for a potential client but if you’re not consciously thinking about how you come across to a stranger you’ll be getting in your own way I’m afraid.

About our Guest Author Jane Buswell.

Since 2003, Jane has brought her marketing expertise to literally hundreds of businesses from one man bands to larger organisations. Her popular and accessible marketing workshops have been delivered for organisations including Business Link, CIBAS, PETA, Southern Entrepreneurs and Winchester University.

Her expertise is in simple step marketing that works, indeed she has been referred to as “the marketing consultants’ marketing consultant!” She is also known as the Postcard Queen for her recognisably quirky marketing postcards.

Take advantage of marketing hints and tips on her popular blog Business Fulcrum as well as on Twitter via @janebuswell.

Rate this Article.

Tell your friends about "The power of first impressions".

Or tell us what you think by adding your own comments (below)…

Tags: Business know-how, First impressions, Marketing, Promotion

You might also be interested in…

Photo copyright Jane Buswell

Article: If you don’t ask you won’t get…

Feedback that is. So do you use feedback forms with your clients? If you don’t you could be missing a trick. I’m actually not talking about the traditional use of feedback in... read more…

Photo copyright Jane Buswell

Article: Are you doing it yet?

What’s your take on using social media to promote your therapy business? Is the jury still out on the subject so far as you’re concerned? Let’s go back to basics. Marketing... read more…

Photo copyright Jane Buswell

Article: Which would YOU choose?

News: Top marks for new website