From the time that prospective clients walk into your office or building, they are consciously and subconsciously making judgements about your firm’s competence. Everything from the upkeep of your floors and walls to the attitude of the receptionist will be under close scrutiny. First impressions are lasting impressions. Prospective clients will have already formed a little of their first impression of you based on how they felt when they walked into your office.
If you own or run a firm, you must set the standard for the aura that your office will emit. There are measures that you can take to make sure potential clients feel like they are in good hands when they come to you. Read on to see ways to impress prospective clients when they visit your office.
It starts with appearances
If you’re an attorney, accountant, or marketer, when people are coming to you, they are looking for organization and efficiency. They are considering whether or not they are going to hire you to manage their affairs or grow their business.
To make a first impression that will garner trust , you will have to sharpen yourself up some. Fellas, make sure your haircut is no more than a week out of the barbershop so you can look as crisp as possible. If you are not meeting them first thing in the morning, you should brush your teeth prior to the meeting.
If you are meeting a particular client for the first time in your office, make sure that your office is immaculately clean. Keep your desk clear of clutter. Make sure that your bookshelves are straightened, if not in order.
Branding is important
Advertising is very nuanced. When a company shows a commercial, they are not necessarily trying to convince consumers that they need to drop everything and go out and buy their product.
Their goal is to embed themselves into the minds of consumers so that their brand will come to mind when people need that product or service.
When you give prospective clients copies of your information packets, you want your 2 pocket folders to have your company’s name inscribed on them in big bold letters. You want everything that you put in your customers’ hands, from ink pens to coffee mugs, to remind them of you and your firm.
Customer service is key
When you are filling positions on your staff, be mindful of who you hire to be your receptionist. This person will have to become adept at meeting the demands of the customers as well as the other members of the staff. Doing this with a smile is a skill that not everyone has.
When you are looking for an office assistant , look for someone with a positive, can-do attitude. You also want someone who comes off as genuinely friendly and not patronizing or pretentious. Your office assistant is the person that prospective clients will likely have their first personal encounter with upon entering your office. Therefore, they should be an individual who reflects your confidence, helpfulness, and competence.
The most important thing to remember when meeting a client for the first time is that they are choosing to meet you. They don’t have to meet you. Value their time. Make sure that both you and your office are ready to pass inspection and make sure that you make your company’s name one that they will want to remember.
