An Impression is created in 7 seconds

EVS PRO — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 22:22:27 +0000

An Impression is created in 7 seconds

Making a good first impression is critical for success in business, since it educates people about your brand, enhances customer relationships, that may result in positive referrals, and impact sales. Positive first impressions – ideas, good feelings and favorable opinions of your service, product and office space, formed without conscious thought can positively influence an engagement or buying decision.

Forbes states that you only have seven seconds to make an excellent first impression, so it is important to think about those areas in your business where people form impressions. Positive brand perception, for example, creates confidence in your business, drives loyalty and retention. Branding communicates your message, often before prospective clients actually meet you, informing decisions that can support a long term business relationship.

Other areas that support positive first impressions include your office reception area. Cleanliness, organization, how prospective clients are greeted and having a positive experience when interacting with your team, all create lasting impressions of your business.

Here are some guidelines for consistently creating a positive first impression and why first impressions are a crucial element in building a prosperous and sustainable business.

3 ways to quickly create a positive first impression

Making a positive first impression fast increases trust of potential clients, suppliers, partners and employees. Creating a positive initial impression sets the tone for your professional relationships and demonstrates your professionalism and readiness to be a good partner.

Demonstrate Professionalism

Professionalism, friendliness and interest in your prospective clients needs are important communication skills that form a first impression. Princeton University found that people make judgements on attractiveness, likability and trustworthiness within a fraction of a second after seeing someone. So, even when presented with lots of opposing evidence, we tend to rely on our own initial impressions of people.

Express Reliability

A business relationship is built on reliability. So, always return calls, texts or emails within 24 hours. And, during conversations, avoid taking phone calls, texting or being distracted. Being focused and interested in existing and prospective clients’ needs allows you to provide suggestions for improving their business. It also gives your clients confidence that you will know how to handle any potential issues that come up in the future.

Bring Value

Listening to clients, researching their industry and thinking about ways to help grow their business, increases your value in a clients mind. Consistently demonstrating knowledge and proficiency in responding to their questions and requests also creates lasting impressions that increase your value over time.

Final Impressions

Each time you engage with your client, leave them with a positive final impression. Express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with them. Let them know you are optimistic about their business and see yourself as additive to their success. Thanking them for the meeting or opportunity to be of service and that you look forward to a long-term relationship.

EVS PRO would like to support you in creating a first and lasting impression for your customers and invites you to schedule a consultation today.

5 Tips for Creating an Excellent First Impression

EVS PRO — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 03:27:53 +0000

5 Tips for Creating an Excellent First Impression at your Reception Area

The success of your business goes beyond your product and service offerings. Customers form an impression of your company, begin evaluating and making decisions about your business as soon as they walk into your reception area. Whether they come into your office for a scheduled meeting or pass by, you can showcase your company culture and commitment to service with reception area excellence. Check out the 5 tips for creating an excellent first impression:

1. Create the Right Color and Light Scheme

Make sure that the lighting in your reception area is aligned with your business. In other words, adjust the luminosity for the vibe you are wanting to create. For example, if your health & wellness practice has massage therapy, you may want to adjust the lighting to reflect one of relaxation and serenity. If you have a business office, you may want a brighter light spectrum. You can invest in industrial-looking pendant light or something that provides a comfortable ambiance without glare. Natural light shining into a reception area, with the ability to close shades, has a significant effect on mood and productivity.

Consider a warm or cheerful color for your reception area. With the best choice of color, you can deliver the desired energy to your client. In addition, you can assimilate your brand’s color in the reception area. We will address in another blog Color Psychology, the study of how colors affect perception and behavior, impact consumer impressions of a brand in making purchases.

2. Create a Space That Invites Conversation

To make a good impression on your guests, arrange your reception area that makes sense in terms of people entering and exiting. The layout and design of the perfect waiting room is essential to welcoming a client as well as efficiently moving them to the next area for a meeting. Create a comfortable waiting area with seating, TV that perhaps has a running video of your product & service benefits, computer access, guest Wi-Fi and magazines. If you have water, coffee and tea available, your guests will appreciate it.

3. Create an efficient Guest Check-In Process

You may have a live receptionist or a digital concierge. It is important that your receptionist be friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and attentive. When you greet visitors with a smile and a handshake (or elbow bump of more comfort these days), it gives them confidence and a good feeling about your business, showing that you care about their arrival.

If you use a digital concierge or other electronic alternatives, make sure they clearly welcome the person with instructions on how to sign in and let you know they are ready for their meeting.

4. Notify your team when Guests are coming so they may greet them when passing.

When it comes to first impressions, facial expressions, clothes and knowledge are an important part of the ensemble.

Remember to look up and smile, welcoming them by using their first name, Ms. Parker, Dr. Mitchel when appropriate.

Clothes are also an important part of the ensemble. Depending on your company culture and your role, you may need to update your wardrobe. While some people choose to wear simple, dark suits, you may choose something brighter that is equally professional and aligns with your personality. For example, one year at the Nuclear Regulatory Conference where men typically wore suits & ties, the Honorable Kristine Sviniki wore a very bright floral dress to deliver her keynote. From then on, women who chose to leave their traditional dark suits at home felt comfortable with their own professional style.

Other ways receptionists may greet visitors include:

Asking them if they need assistance or advising them you will announce their arrival.
Showing them around the building, pointing out restrooms, kitchen if they may use it
Asking them about their flight or if they have been to your city, etc. to get acquainted.
Have a clear desk with no clutter, food or beverages showing
Cover your workspace and computer when stepping away from the desk
Ensure that information is clearly displayed for all visitors

5. Create A Pleasant, Welcoming Atmosphere

(this seems redundant – perhaps have another one like, providing educational materials, company prospectus, information about company that people can prepare prior to meeting, display awards, etc.)

The first impression that most people get of a company is through the front desk. If it looks clean and organized, then customers are more likely to believe that the rest of the office is as well. Therefore, keeping all your reception equipment in good condition and making sure all surfaces are spotless should also be priorities.

In summary…

Creating an attractive, clean, welcoming reception area can help you make a great first and lasting impression on your potential and current customers. In addition to friendly people, an efficient traffic flow and information, paintings, plants, and tasteful artwork are all additive to creating life long customers who refer you to other customers.

Impressions & Perspectives – EVS PRO – Support Service Company