Like most business owners I love a bargain so recently treated myself to a discounted haircut at a local salon via Groupon. I booked my appointment and went along at the agreed time but I got that sinking feeling before I’d even stepped inside! The walls were painted in the brightest shade possible but the whole place was tired looking and a bit run down and as I sat getting my hair washed, I couldn’t help but notice all the cobwebs and grime on the lights and fans I was looking up at. I was just hoping that they were going to take better care of my hair than they do their salon! This got me thinking...what first impressions are you giving your clients and customers?
Most of us work in the same place most of the time, but for clients and visitors it may be the first time they have visited you. What impression are you giving them? Why not walk in through the customer entrance or front doors and look at things with a fresh pair of eyes from a visitor perspective? If you’ve got a reception area, sit in the seats, flick through the magazines and check what kind of vibe you are projecting. Have those old potted plants seen better days, are the magazines 10 years out of date? It’s the small things that people will notice the most.
Where do you hold most of your meetings?
• At your desk? If so make sure that your desk is tidy and free from clutter. Why not try sitting the other side of the desk so that you see what a visitor would see? What does that overflowing in-tray say about the way you run your business?
• In a meeting room? Make sure the room is inviting but conducive to business. Ideally the room should be in a quiet area free from distractions, have plenty of natural daylight and be at a comfortable temperature.
If you hold most of your meeting on site or at client’s premises then make sure you are making a good first impression there too. Ensure that you are well prepared for each meeting, have any relevant documents you need to hand and that you are well presented; this also includes ensuring your car is clean! As I said before it is the small things that people notice most and you only get one chance to make that first impression, so make sure it’s a great one!
