 |
The average human forms a first impression within just 7 seconds. In business, you don’t always get a second chance, so it’s crucial to make the most of every first encounter. If you run a company, here are some top hacks to guarantee positive first impressions every time.
Photo by Tim Douglas
External aesthetics
External aesthetics can play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of brands and businesses. Whether customers are strolling through a mall or driving on the highway, the appearance of commercial premises will influence how they view the company. It’s important to think of your premises in the context of branding and how you want potential clients, employees and partners to perceive your brand. Consider everything from signage and window displays to gardens, parking facilities and paintwork.
It’s always helpful to take a walk in your customer’s shoes as a business owner. Walk or drive past the premises. Note down any issues or problems that need addressing and changes you could make to boost aesthetics. Simple touches such as adding plants and flowers, mowing the grass, updating lighting and signage, and dressing windows can make a big difference. Ensure that the way you present your business is consistent with brand messaging and attractive to your target audience.
Red flags to be wary of include cluttered, dirty windows and shopfronts, broken, faded or dull signs, damaged paving, trash bags, and overgrown garden and yard areas.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is key when it comes to making a good first impression. Clean commercial spaces look inviting, professional and well cared for, while dirty, messy premises have the opposite effect. It’s crucial to keep business premises clean not only for aesthetic reasons but also for optimum health and safety. It’s particularly important to pay attention to cleaning, hygiene and sanitation if you run a healthcare business or you operate premises which are open to the public.
As a business owner, there are various options to consider to keep premises clean. You could hire cleaners on a part-time or full-time basis, or outsource activities to a professional commercial cleaning company. Cleaning firms offer a range of services, which you can customise to suit your needs and budget. By outsourcing cleaning, you can save time for your existing staff members while ensuring your base looks the business. Outsourcing is often more cost-effective than hiring, but it’s vital to do your research and find reputable, trustworthy local companies.
Photo by Igor Starkov
A warm welcome
Interactions with employees, representatives and business owners impact how we see brands and shape buying behaviours. When you walk into a store, a warm welcome sets the tone and lays the foundations for a positive, personalised experience. If there’s nobody around or people ignore you, you may think twice about hanging around and decide to go elsewhere.
If you own a business, it’s wise to utilise personal experiences of customer service to devise and implement policies and employee guidelines. Every customer should feel welcome. No client should ever feel like they’re putting an assistant or advisor out or wasting their time. Basics like being polite, smiling, making eye contact, offering help and advice and providing essential information can make the difference between making sales and losing customers.
Punctuality
If your day-to-day business involves meeting with clients, welcoming customers to your store, showroom or restaurant or scheduling appointments, punctuality is critical. If your employees arrive late to meetings or customers are left waiting for products or services, this can be a red flag.
Being late can be seen as rude and unprofessional. In an age where people have busy lives, there’s often no time to wait around for a table or hang on if an appointment is delayed. If there are problems beyond your control, contact the customer as soon as possible, explain the situation, offer an apology and suggest a solution.
If issues persist, for example, there’s a long wait for tables at your restaurant, you may need to explore options, such as hiring more staff during busy periods or putting a time limit on bookings, such as 2-hour dinner slots. It’s helpful to use reviews and feedback to highlight problems and address weaknesses. It’s also important to ensure your employees are aware of the impact of delays and disruptions. Communicate clearly with your team to ensure they understand what is expected of them.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Customers make decisions in a matter of seconds. As a business owner, you might not get a second chance if you don’t impress the first time. Simple steps can make all the difference. Key areas to focus on include smart, professional-looking external aesthetics that complement your brand identity, cleanliness, delivering excellent customer service, and being punctual.
