You’ve showered, dressed immaculately and psyched yourself up for the occasion. No, you’re not going to a wedding, or a second date with some guy you met last Friday night. You’re off to a meeting to secure new business, and you have a feeling that it’s going to work out really well. These two things, dating and securing new business, have countless similarities that we thought you’d find quite entertaining. Many of which can come down to how you interact with your potential new client (….or date). In our experience, these interpersonal skills are essential to securing that new deal, as well as a lovely BF to take home to meet the parents.
The initial meet
So often relationships can be made, or are doomed to fail, as the result of the initial ‘meet’. Are you prepared? Are you coming across confidently? Nailing simple things such as these is imperative to making the right first impression. Non-verbal communication, specifically, components of social expressivity such as smiling and eye contact are incredibly important as they show that you are not only interested in what they are saying, but also them as a person. It is the little things that cause attraction, both in business and relationships. The entire relationship is dependent on the first meeting as it is where you truly get to see whether the personalities will click. There has to be chemistry, otherwise the business relationship doesn’t work, that’s why the word relationship is in there, as it is the key determiner as to whether the deal will take place. At these first meetings with clients I like to always present my expertise confidently, whilst showing off creative flair, as this is why they are ultimately going to buy into Agent99 PR. Throughout the entire first meeting I am ‘on’, engaged and try to present the best version of myself to the potential client. You only get one chance!
The courting stage
Once you’ve met and everything goes smoothly, the next phase begins. The exciting, butterflies in the stomach, calling your best friend phase. You’ve made the connection, you’re personalities have clicked, you’ve flirted via social media and you’re waiting to see whether you’re in it for the long haul, and whether they are a cultural fit. This is the time to find out important information, such as whether they are a promiscuous client or whether they have had a series of longer committed relationships. Here, you also want to learn about what they expect, and discuss what went wrong in their previous relationships. Generally, this is where subsequent emails, phone calls, texts and meetings occur and you realise that you’re either smitten with each other, or in some unfortunate cases, that it just isn’t quite the right fit.
Dating
So exciting! They’ve signed up to be with you and everything is official. That initial warm and fuzzy feeling is still glowing and you can’t wait to reap the benefits of a mutually successful relationship. In business, this period is all about nurturing the relationship and exceeding expectations. It is important to invest time in each other and foster the connection, so that you can get the most out of the partnership. My philosophy in business and relationships has always been about frankness. Regular discussions and an open and honest approach are key to remaining on the same page. This is why at Agent99 we hold fortnightly WIPs with all of our clients to update them and ensure we are on track and they feel completely in control of their agenda with us. If you are unable to do this, don’t be surprised if your newfound ‘love’ suddenly becomes disinterested, or heaven forbid, may even stray. Like any other relationship, identifying and preempting any issues is a must so that you are able to have a successful partnership. Ultimately, securing new business is about being prepared at every stage, and knowing what the the client wants, while presenting the best of yourself consistently. After all, no one likes to date Ms. Erratic.
