Contributed post
If you’ve been running your business for some time, then I probably don’t have to tell you how important first impressions are. You may have put in a lot of work to get that initial loan. You probably had to go through all kinds of nerve-shattering pitches before you got your very first client. With first impressions being so important in the world of business, I thought I’d do this post on maintaining a great office lobby.
Every business lobby needs some artwork, and if you want to make the best impression possible your choice is going to be pretty important. Yes, it’s usually possible to buy pre-owned prints from other businesses on the cheap. If you limit yourself to this though, you may end up with a mismatched style in your lobby, or paintings that will fade gradually in the sun. Ideally, I’d recommend buying original pieces from a contemporary local artist. This will not only ensure that your lobby looks original, but will give it a potent connection to the local community. When you’re sourcing the art, try to keep your target market in mind as well. If you’re a cutting-edge firm selling a highly innovative product, then go with modern, minimalist pieces. If you’re a more traditional business targeting affluent clients, use something a little more classical.
(Pixabay)
Next, get some memorable plants and make sure someone’s taking care of them. No matter how casual or formal you’re trying to keep your business’s lobby area, having some live plants dotted around will make for a nice touch, and show your prospects that you really care about keeping the people who come through your door comfortable. Like me, you might have very little knowledge when it comes to plants, whether indoors or outdoors. However, this won’t be the case with some of the people who walk through that entrance. If your plants are looking a little drab or poorly watered, and a prospect picks up on this, it’s not going to leave the best impression on them. Have a rotating plant duty, or make them a part of the janitor’s responsibilities.
Finally, make sure the magazines you leave in your lobby are reasonably up-to-date and suited to your target market. We’ve all been to a doctor’s or dentist’s lobby where the reading material is two years old. I don’t have to explain how this will look to your potential customers! Make sure the media you’re leaving out is from this month at least. Alternatively, you could go high-tech by introducing interactive touch tables and other pieces of modern library furniture. Choosing the exact reading material is also pretty important. If your clients are mostly from working and lower-middle class backgrounds, go with fishing, film and interior design magazines. If you’re targeting people with more affluent backgrounds, focus on financial markets, architecture, and luxury travel.
Of course, these three tips won’t make a lobby perfect. Still, take them on board. Soon enough you’ll have the start of a lobby you can be proud of.
