Making first impressions count

As the gateway to a business, the reception area holds significant influence over the initial impressions formed by employees, visitors, and clients alike. Considering its pivotal role, could it be time to start a dialogue with your customers regarding the importance of first impressions?

Certain spaces within every workplace are universally recognised—the central office area, kitchen, breakout rooms, and bathrooms are among those that come to mind. It’s true that dealers play a significant role in enhancing these spaces to promote health, focus and productivity. However, the journey to creating a great workplace doesn’t commence when an employee reaches their desk or designated floor; it begins with their first step through the door.

Whether it’s an employee, contractor, potential new hire or visitor, the reception area serves as the initial point of contact within any business. It holds substantial sway over the first impressions formed about the organisation and its operations. Additionally, the reception area plays a crucial role in conveying company values and brand narrative.

Telling a story

Your customers aim to establish their business identity from the moment visitors step into their building. As dealers, you can assist them in identifying key products and adjusting layouts and aesthetics to convey the desired message. This might involve providing waiting area furniture that aligns with the company’s logo colour scheme or accentuating a business’s commitment to fostering a relaxed atmosphere with designated drink stations and plush furnishings.

To elevate a reception area, it’s crucial to grasp both the personality and purpose of the business. For instance, an outdoor lifestyle company might be directed towards furniture and decor that highlight natural and sustainable materials like wood and bamboo. Conversely, a graphic design firm might lean towards vibrant colours and eye-catching visual elements such as contemporary wall art.

Setting expectations

Not only is the reception area a place to set first impressions, but it is also a crucial hub for your customer’s business. Organisation and space management helps staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and traffic throughout the building is managed.

Dealers can seize a prime opportunity to advise businesses that have not yet transitioned to a digital check-in system. By guiding them towards equipment designed to streamline check-in processes and accurately record visitor information, dealers empower their customers to exceed client expectations while ensuring data security.

Additionally, security and organisation can be enhanced by providing safe and lockable filing systems and organisational cabinets. These solutions not only maintain a clear and clutter-free area but also ensure that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized personnel.

Enhancing information

Gone are the days of outdated magazines and marketing pamphlets cluttering up reception areas. Instead, dealers can highlight the potential for these spaces to serve as mini showrooms for showcasing their customers’ businesses. Utilising display stands or cases to exhibit products or services, along with prominent visual aids like digital signage, offers an effective way to convey important communications that can be easily updated.

By recognising the pivotal role of reception areas in shaping first impressions and conveying brand identity, dealers can guide their customers towards creating welcoming and functional spaces. Focusing on these critical touchpoints, dealers not only enhance the overall workplace experience but also contribute to their customers’ success in building strong relationships and fostering a positive image.