New Impressions For The New Year

Unlike most holidays, the excitement of the New Year tends to last beyond the big countdown. With 2009 being such an unsettling year, many are welcoming 2010 with relief and renewed hope. With our slates wiped clean, January is the month of new beginnings. You could say it is our first impression for the year that is to come.

Did you know that first impressions are generally made within 7-10 seconds? Before we even say a word, the brain begins to gather millions of pieces of information to make a foundational judgment. All additional information is built upon our initial judgment. Therefore, it can take a very long time to correct a negative first impression. According to organizing expert and professional speaker Eileen Roth “If it takes 10 seconds to make a personal first impression, it takes less than 5 seconds for your office to have already made a statement about you.” What does your lobby, waiting room or foyer say about you?

In these tough economic times,consumers are paying attention to the details. They want a good product and a good experience for their dollar. They want to know that you care about them and you value their business. Of course this is true for those who sell directly to the public, such as restaurants and retail stores, but it is especially important for care providers. Clients of doctors,dentists, financial consultants or attorneys can tend to be nervous, but a comforting waiting room can help ease the tension. If your clients are at ease, they are more able to hear your advice, trust what you tell them, and follow your instructions. Take a look at the areas your customers first see. These are not the days for lavish excesses, but a little investment toward improving what you already have can go a long way toward improving your customer relationships.