New clients are out there waiting for you to come find them.  Sometimes, they may even find you, even better. But why should they choose you over another lawyer who has a similar track record, just as much experience, and practices the same type of law? Well, a lot of that can come from that first impression that you make when someone comes in to meet you. So how can you improve those first impressions? Well, since its Friday, I wanted to give you five ways to boost your first impression.

TOP 5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION ON POTENTIAL CLIENTS

1. Dress for the Job. They tell you this from day one in college; you have to dress for the job that you want. As a lawyer, the job that you want is just the ability to represent this potential new client that you are talking to. You want to look your very best every single time you meet with a client. The legal profession is one of professionalism and tradition, and people have certain expectations when they come into a law office. Live up to those expectations.

2. Communicate Solutions. While talking to a potential client, let them know that you understand their problems by communicating to them the solutions. Too many people will spend too much time listening and repeating the same problems back. This will not make you stand out from other lawyers. It will not bring about trust, it will not make you memorable, and you most likely will not get the business. Tell them how you would fight for them, and be as specific as possible.

3. Define Differences. You may hear a lot about Unique Value Propositions. Basically it is a short way to communicate the value you offer as compared to others. Well the main point of a value proposition is that you stand out from others that may be just like you. Make sure these clients know not only everything that you offer, but exactly what you can offer that others cannot.

4. Confidence Calms. Many times, a client will come in under some type of stress, hence the reason they are seeking out a lawyer. They may be scared, hurt, or worried. What they need more than anything else is your confidence. It has a calming effect on them, and if you can get them to feel better about themselves and their situation, you will most likely get their business. Be strong minded, speak up, make eye contact, and let them know that you understand exactly what they are saying.

5. Office Set Up. Going back to number 1, people walk into a law office expecting certain things. Your office should meet or exceed those expectations no matter what. It should always be clean, organized, and comfortable. Too many lawyers think that their office is for them. Obviously, your office is for your clients.  You want them to walk in and feel completely at ease. If they feel uncomfortable, and their first instinct is to get out of there as soon as possible, you are not going to land them as a client, bottom line.

Now we have only scraped the surface of first impressions, but this is a good overview to keep in mind. Follow these tips and you will get a higher percentage of the business that comes your way. Keep Practicing -- Happy Friday!