The power of first impressions should never be overlooked. Business can be won or lost in the first few minutes of a visitor entering the reception area and deciding on the spot whether they think this office will help them achieve their needs and desires, or not.
Many different facets come into that decision, but it happens within the blink of an eye.
Due to that quick reaction, it’s vital that you know what to do to make a positive first impression, and that you think on your feet in order to counteract any potential issues.
So, how can you make a big impression without breaking the bank with hugely expensive contemporary meeting room furniture and iconic biophilic centrepieces in your reception space? It’s far easier than you might think.
Be Friendly and Smile
The power of a smile and a friendly face should never be overlooked. Your receptionist will no doubt be a kind, helpful soul, but it’s important that every business understands that the basics here are of the utmost importance. Greet every visitor who turns up at the glass reception desk with a smile, eye contact, and a “how can I help you”. If you know their name, use it and if you don’t, kindly enquire what it is, so you can continue to use it from that point. The personal touch goes a long way.
Have The Best Customer Service
If there is a problem, and hopefully there won’t be, make sure that you fix it immediately. You can turn an issue around in an instant if you have excellent customer service, you show that you are listening and that you’re doing everything to help the customer or client with their problem. Again, a friendly demeanour will go a long way, as well as giving your clients somewhere comfortable to sit, with luxury office seating certainly looking the part.
Move With The Times in Your Design
If your space is looking tired and old, think about upgrading or redecorating to move with the times. A business which doesn’t care how old their space looks isn’t going to give a great impression in terms of the products or services they’re providing – visitors will think that you care just as much about those as you do your space! Invest in cool office seating and give the whole office a new decor to brighten things up. You should also make sure that your design always reflects who you are as a business, and that you’re not confusing your identity in the way you design your space.
Keep Everything Clean and Tidy
We’re going back to basics again here but this one is very important. Always make sure that your space is clean and tidy as an absolute minimum. Visitors will see a dirty or unkempt area and assume that your service is the same – shoddy. Everything reflects back on the business you do. So, make sure that white office furniture set is gleaming and make sure you clean your sofas in the reception area on a very regular basis.
Focus on Your Employees
One of the best ways to make positive first impression is to have employees who are happy and smiling. Invest in some ergonomic chairs and attractive office furniture, create a supportive and positive environment and that will certainly show to those who are attending your space for the first time, as well as those who are working within it.
Creating a positive first impression doesn’t have to break the bank and it doesn’t need to be super-time consuming either.
It’s really about covering the basics, i.e. cleanliness, neatness, and politeness, and the rest will fall into place. Make sure your office space is up to date and modern, reflecting who you are as a brand, and the impression you make will certainly be one which ensures repeat business for years to come.