First impressions are crucial for businesses, large and small alike. People often form an opinion about someone or something within the first few seconds of meeting or speaking to them. Positive experiences can open the door for many opportunities while negative experiences can quickly slam it on those same opportunities. Following are three good reasons to put your best foot forward in customer service.

1. First impressions set the tone for the the entire customer experience. Positive impressions can lead to more successful interactions and satisfied customers.

2. Customers are more likely to form long-term relationships with businesses that make a memorable first impression. These can result in not only repeat business from your client, but also create new business from word-of-mouth referrals.
3. Conversely,  a negative first impression can be difficult to overcome. Once a person has decided the interaction is negative, they will begin to look for issues. Even when there aren't any. Unfortunately , this can result in loss of a client and negative opinions being shared.

First impressions can easily be positive or negative, and they both have a strong impact on how the rest of the interaction will go. It is important to speak clearly, be polite, and show enthusiasm.  It is crucial that businesses prioritize training their employees on how to make a last positive impression, whether it's in person, over the phone, or in person. After all, if you can't be a good example, then you'll have to serve as a horrible warning.