First Impressions Count

We’ve all heard, countless times, that first impressions count. Once a negative first impression has been made, it can be difficult to turn things around (if you get the chance, at all).

Whilst we often say this in relation to meeting people for the first time, the same is true when it comes to office buildings, or retail units. In fact, any place where your customers or clients will come to meet with you, in the hopes of doing business with you, it’s vital to make the right impression. First time, next time, every time.

There are many aspects to take in to consideration when trying to make the right first impression as far as your building is concerned, here we will take a look at three of the most important ones.

The Outside

Realistically, the first point of physical contact your customers will have with your business premise is the external part of the building. If the paint is flaking off, signs are broken or dirty (to the point where they can’t be read easily), windows are blackened with dirt, the canopy over the main door is discoloured and your guttering is overflowing because it’s clogged, it’s going to leave a bad first impression.

These are all signs of a business that doesn’t care. That doesn’t take the time to look after the smaller things. Many people might even assume that finances aren’t what you might portray them to be if you can’t afford to have these external issues dealt with.

Ensuring a building entrance is well maintained can make the difference between making a new customer, or losing an existing one. It is well worth the time and effort to cast an eye over the entire area, and patch up anything that needs doing, and cleaning anything that doesn’t need actual maintenance.

The Reception Area

Your reception area is where your customers/clients are likely to wait before meeting you. This therefore needs to be warm, inviting and friendly. Seating areas should be clear of clutter, no dirty cups or litter lying around, and no offensive odours. If there is a television, it should be loud enough for them to hear, but not too loud that it is distracting or overpowering. Literature should be provided for them to browse, whether that’s magazines, or company brochures or leaflets providing them with more information.

The last thing you want is someone to enter your place of work and be left feeling uncomfortable. That is never going to be a good way to start a meeting or relationship with them.

Carpets

Did you know that carpets can hold up to 450g of soil per square foot, before signs of dirt are even noticed? In high traffic areas, such as your entrance area and corridors, these signs can appear quite quickly.

As a result, regular cleaning of carpets is essential. This can take the form of a good vacuum, though every so often you may want to arrange for a professional carpet cleaner to come in and deep clean/sanitise important areas.

If you want to find out more about our commercial window cleaning, UPVC guttering cleaning, sign cleaning, cladding cleaning or solar panel cleaning services, please call 01942 918 204 and we’ll be happy to provide you with more information.