As they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why the reception area or waiting room is a crucial aspect of your business. The way the different elements come together has a significant impact on how your clients and business partners feel upon entering and how they perceive your business as a whole. Here are a few important tips on how to make the most of this area.
Provide an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation
By providing a comfortable atmosphere in your office, you not only put your customers at ease, but you also give the impression that you’re efficient, professional, and have everything under control. Have your receptionist treat incoming people like guests, offering them coffee or tea. Have comfortable chairs for them to sit in if they need to wait and provide them with a variety of magazines and newspapers to read.
Have the right host
Too many people underestimate the part the receptionist, PA, or secretary plays in giving the first impression of their business. If your receptionist, who is essentially in the role of a host, is neatly dressed, poised and professional, it speaks volumes to your clientele and business partners about the kind of ship you run. Also important is the manner in which he or she treats incoming guests. For instance, if your receptionist knows the names of the people coming in for a meeting without having to first check the book, they will feel highly valued.
Know the tone of your business
Take some time to consider the tone of your business if you haven’t yet, because that’s the impression you’ll want to create in your waiting room. Are you hip and cutting edge, simple and dependable, fun and funky, or understated and elegant?
If you’re stuck and wondering what your brand’s image is, try writing down the first five words that come to mind when describing your business. Then ask one of your employees to do the same. You can ask your partner or a close friend who is familiar with your business to do so as well. Compare the words you all came up with and see what the most consistent words are. This is a word cloud, and it’s probably a good description of your brand’s style and tone.
Then of course, make sure your signage, lighting and decal reflect this tone.
That’s where we can help. Contact us for help with your reception signage, because we can design and install everything you need from lightboxes to shopfront signage, helping you make the most of your reception area.