Have you ever walked into an office or reception area and wondered if the receptionist was in a bad mood? He or she is sat there on a reception chair, they’re not even attempting to crack a smile, they don’t seem very welcoming, and overall you’re wondering if you should walk back out again.
It’s not a great first impression, right?
The single most important person for your business isn’t the CEO, it isn’t the Board, and it isn’t the most powerful manager on your books, it’s actually your receptionist.
He or she can make or break the impression a customer or client walking into your reception area has of your entire business. If your receptionist is welcoming, happy and smiling, they have an instantly positive first impression and it will stick. If however they are the total opposite, the negative impression will probably stick for even longer. In this case, are they likely to go and do business with a competitor? Very possibly.
It’s this simple - a welcoming, clean and professional reception area, with comfortable reception seating and a theme in-keeping with the ethos of the business is step one. The person sat behind your reception desk is step two. If that person is welcoming and friendly, you’ve got a great situation right there. In this case, your reception area could actually bring you extra business, simply with the power of a smile.
Have you encountered a particularly good or bad receptionist? What stood out for you?