Tips to Improve Your Company’s First Impression

Who is the face of your company? Have you ever given it a though?

When people think of your company what comes to their mind? Do they associate your company with a certain individual in the organization or service? Or do they relate to an experience they had the last time they visited your offices?

All these are questions most of us fail to ask ourselves when recruiting receptionist to man our front office desks or customer care desks. Ordinarily, these positions are considered to be low paying jobs, so when recruiting we look for the cheapest available option.

You may have noticed that some companies are now outsourcing such services to security companies. Don’t get me wrong, outsourcing to security companies is not an entirely a bad idea. But the demeanor of security guards is not inviting and that’s why we hire them, to scare and keep away bad elements.

Now these are the same people, the security companies are deploying to your company to play receptionists. The two roles have very little if anything, in common, and you will be expecting too much in terms of productivity from the guards turned receptionists.

But do I blame the security companies for supplying you with such staff? No, I blame you. As the CEO, It is your duty to invest in quality service delivery. And make informed decisions with regards to all areas of operation, especially if you value your client’s first impression of your company.

So what should you do to improve initial client interaction with the company?

Tips to improve your company’s first impression

First impressions count and more so at the front or the guest receiving area of your company. Let us look at how you can improve and portray the real company image.

• When recruiting, look for candidates who are pleasant, friendly, full of life, cheerful and spirited.
• Prepare an induction programme for your receptionist, covering all the departments in the company. This will acquaint them with first hand knowledge of the operations of each department.
• Prepare a company FAQ, to prepare them before hand on what questions to expect from you visitors.
• When sending communiqué within the office, copy to them or brief them on new development or upcoming changes within the company.
• Hold meetings with them to address their challenges and areas that need improvement and reassure them of the importance of their role in the company.
• And lastly treat them as equals with other employees in the company.

It is a fact that most prospective clients are converted at the reception by the matter in which your front office staffs treat them. Therefore, ensure you invest in the right people to work in that position and treat them as integral members of your team.