Look at Your Office or Store the Way Your Customers Do

Look at your store or office from the street. Is the sign inviting and easy to read?  Is the address visible so your customers can find you? How does the building look? Is it fresh and exciting or worn and old looking? Is the landscaping trimmed? Is there litter or other debris?  Make sure the building conveys the message you want it to. 

Walk in the front door. Is the door easy to open or is it heavy and sticks upon opening? Is it handicap accessible?  Is the door inviting? I was at a customer’s office and there was a sign on the door that said “No Concealed Weapons Allowed.” When I asked about the sign they laughed and said it was there when they bought the building. Is that the first thing you would want your customers to see?

If you have a retail store you may use the door to advertise a special or sale. If so make sure the information is up to date. Nothing is worse than having a customer ask about a special that has expired.

If you have a small lobby and sliding window make sure the customer side of the window is clean and presentable. Too often the wall is dusty and worn because no one in the company ever looks at it closely.

If you have a waiting room, sit in the chairs. Are they comfortable? Look around. If someone is waiting for you they are looking at the walls, ceiling and wall hangings. Is the room clean or is there a spider web in the corner? Do the wall hangings create a positive message such as company awards or helpful information on your product? I was once at a kitchen showroom and prominently on the wall was a plaque that said, “I started my company with nothing, and I still have most of it.” While the saying was humorous and may ring a bell with many small business owners it is likely not a message that should be conveyed to potential customers who would be asked to make substantial deposits on their new kitchen.

If you have a receptionist desk, is it cluttered? Can it be hidden behind a counter? Can you visitors see confidential documents?

Make a list of short term and long term things that can be done to improve the physical appearance of your business and set a date for starting and completing those changes.

All original content ©Thomas Robinson 2010