Have you ever walked into an office and been greeted with a cold stare? The receptionist glares at you, sending the message loud and clear that you are interrupting and unwanted. Or maybe you've walked into a ghost town. No one greets you and you have to awkwardly move around the room, peeking into doors to get someone's attention. At one time or another, we've probably all encountered this.
If your front desk is uninviting, so is your business. A warm and comfortable atmosphere will most likely lead to more business. The great thing about being a writer is that I get to talk to people. Looming deadlines or not, when someone walks through the door, I stop and talk to them. They will pull up a seat and through friendly conversation, their business will usually result in other business. Doing this essentially turns your own office into a networking event.
Even if you're the boss and do great work, you will be known by your front desk and the image portrayed when walking through the door; Ensure it is an inviting one.
A recent article on Congressman Mike Pence told of his office and how he strives to create a relaxing, comfortable and approachable atmosphere. During a recent trip to Washington D.C. with the Indiana Leadership Forum, I was a firsthand witness. Meeting in a room down from his office, the Congressman's assistants brought over a tray of ice cold drinks. Before starting the meeting, he went around the room, shaking hands with each person in the room. He also offers a bag of freshly popped popcorn to any of his vistors stopping by.
As a ranking member of congress, he could easily have had the attitude of superiority, dropped in for a word or two and then bolted from the room. Instead, he made us all feel welcomed and as if he had nothing better to do than hang out with us for a little while.
Take a lesson from this congressman. Create that kind of atmosphere and you're sure to get more business. If you go for the icy stared receptionist . . . well, don't expect your n to go up.
If your front desk is uninviting, so is your business. A warm and comfortable atmosphere will most likely lead to more business. The great thing about being a writer is that I get to talk to people. Looming deadlines or not, when someone walks through the door, I stop and talk to them. They will pull up a seat and through friendly conversation, their business will usually result in other business. Doing this essentially turns your own office into a networking event.
Even if you're the boss and do great work, you will be known by your front desk and the image portrayed when walking through the door; Ensure it is an inviting one.
A recent article on Congressman Mike Pence told of his office and how he strives to create a relaxing, comfortable and approachable atmosphere. During a recent trip to Washington D.C. with the Indiana Leadership Forum, I was a firsthand witness. Meeting in a room down from his office, the Congressman's assistants brought over a tray of ice cold drinks. Before starting the meeting, he went around the room, shaking hands with each person in the room. He also offers a bag of freshly popped popcorn to any of his vistors stopping by.
As a ranking member of congress, he could easily have had the attitude of superiority, dropped in for a word or two and then bolted from the room. Instead, he made us all feel welcomed and as if he had nothing better to do than hang out with us for a little while.
Take a lesson from this congressman. Create that kind of atmosphere and you're sure to get more business. If you go for the icy stared receptionist . . . well, don't expect your n to go up.
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