What does the reception of your business say about you? The reception is one of the first impressions a person will have of your business, and if that impression isn’t the best, it will impact their willingness to do business with you and forge a beneficial relationship. Studies have shown that it takes 7 seconds to form a first impression, and these impressions, once formed, are difficult to change.
If you want to impress customers and make the best first impression, these office reception tips can help you out.
1. Clean and Tidy
It goes without saying that the entire reception area needs to be clean and tidy. A well-maintained space, from waiting room furniture to reception desks and the floor, not only creates a professional and inviting atmosphere but also instills a sense of trust and reliability in your customers. You may want to consider investing in professional commercial carpet cleaning for your reception area carpets or expert floor cleaning machines for hardwood or tiled floors. Because the last thing you want is for them to be harboring ground-in dirt or stains, you need to keep the flooring looking and smelling fresh.
2. Friendly Staff
We’ve all heard horror stories about unfriendly or rude reception staff, and you don’t want this to be what people say about your business once they leave the premises. You want to train all employees and ensure they’re delivering only the highest standards of customer service to anyone who comes through the doors. This includes your security staff and janitorial team, who also play a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment. Implement company standards and protocols so that, regardless of who is in reception, the same high standards are maintained across the board. These are just some key office reception tips that can make a big difference.
3. Clear Signage
It’s about guiding your customers and making them feel at ease. Clear branding and signage throughout your reception area, especially in multi-business buildings, is crucial. Internal and external branding create a sense of familiarity and cohesiveness, helping customers navigate your business with ease. This attention to detail can make your customers feel more comfortable and confident in their interactions with your company.
4. Lighting
For effective office reception tips, consider your lighting carefully. You’ll want to ensure the lighting you use is warm and welcoming. The right lighting can create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, making your customers feel more at ease. If you’re in an office, for example, a law firm, or you’re in a dental practice, then bright daylight lighting may be more beneficial for you. For any businesses, a more relaxed vibe can be achieved with warm white mood lighting as part of your decor and visual design. The lighting needs to be an integral part of your reception, not an afterthought.
5. Plants
Plants are well-known for making people feel better. The mere presence of an indoor plant can enhance the ambiance of a space and make people feel more relaxed and even happier. And there have been multiple studies proving this. Incorporate plants through your recreation. Be it on a shelf or your reception desk, having potted plants adorn a seating area or serve as decorative points throughout open spaces. It’s entirely up to you, but if you want to make a good first impression, adding plants can be exactly what you need.
