“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” goes the age-old adage. While no one knows who first said it, it’s sound advice that rings true in many situations. Whether personal or business, the first impression is a vital one that can make or break a relationship.

In business, it’s crucial to rock the first impression, especially if you’re a small company. Don’t waste a valuable opportunity to wow a new client or business partner. Put these five ways your business can make a powerful first impression below to work for you.

1. Get a Virtual Office

Small businesses need to fight for every penny, which means saving money wherever they can, and virtual offices are the perfect way to do just that. In addition to the money-saving factor, working from a virtual office affords many other benefits.

• No commute time for staff

• Increases employee satisfaction

• Increases productivity

• Enables you to bring on more qualified employees from anywhere in the world

• Gives clients a prominent location without the overhead

Freed from the hassle and expense of maintaining and running a physical office, you’re better able to concentrate your time, energy, and resources to the work that matters.

2. A Professional Online Presence

In today’s world, a first impression is often one made without you even knowing it. Many customers go online before visiting a store or contacting a representative. If your online presence isn’t up to par, it’s time for a refresh. Hire an expert web designer to create a professional looking website with complimentary social media platforms, and make sure it’s all accessible via any device. Additionally, make sure any printed materials associated with your company are nicely printed with your logo and company name and consistent with your digital assets.

3. Be Well-Groomed

It might sound obvious, but If you must appear in person to represent your company, always be well groomed. If you aren’t sure if the occasion is casual or not, err on the side of caution and go for a dressier appearance. Wear clothes that fit well, and don’t wear outrageous accessories or makeup that might be distracting. If one or several of your staff is accompanying you, make sure they understand what’s expected of them and their appearance as well.

4. Follow Through

It’s easy to forget to a follow-up call or email and happens more than it should. However, in the business world, this could mean losing a customer before you’ve even had the chance to close the deal.

If you say you’ll call someone back, do it or promise to follow up with an email, make sure you do it as soon as possible. Integrity is critical in any relationship, but it’s a core component of success in the business world. Make sure your company’s name is synonymous with the word integrity.

5. Be Real and Likable

No one likes a fake, especially in business. If you’re insincere and try to be someone you’re not, your customers will sense it, and trust will go out the window. Be likable, smile more, offer words of encouragement and congratulations when warranted, and be genuine. No matter what your product or service, coming off as a caring person brings in more business than delivering a robotic sales pitch.

It’s a fact that sometimes small businesses need to work twice as hard to keep up with big business. How your company presents itself to a new client goes a long way to securing a lasting relationship. These five ways your small business can make a great first impression above will help you be successful.