Making a Good First Impression

Posted on September 11, 2007

Meeting with a firm for the first time, I had trouble getting into their offices – the front door was locked and there was no bell. CEOs are reminded to check up on what visitors feel and perceive when they encounter the firm for the first time.

I got to the front door and felt a bit stupid. I couldn’t find the doorbell. I could see through the glass side windows into the office, and saw no one close or moving around. I knocked, but the solid construction didn’t seem to be allowing the vibrations through. I kept knocking. Four minutes later I gave up, glad that I had arrived early for the meeting. Sooner or later, someone would have to come in or leave, and that would be my chance. Thankfully, about 10 minutes later, I got through.

What kind of a welcome is this for any visitor to this business? These folks are really nice people, with a nice website in an online business. But they aren’t paying enough attention to all their front doors. First impressions are everything. What does a new visitor to your physical facilities see and feel? Is that what you want? What about callers to your business? Do they feel welcomed?

Businesses often get complacent in the impressions they make to first-time visitors. Don’t let that be you. Pay attention, and put a recurring appointment on your (or your staff’s) calendar to check up on your front doors regularly.

Takeaways:

• First impressions are a big deal.
• Think about how what your customers see when they encounter your place of business.
• Make your customers – and potential customers – feel welcome, always.