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The First Impression Makes All the Difference

How important are first impressions to you? Well, according to businessinsider.com, people can decide 13 things about someone within the first three seconds of being introduced. Some of these things include, if someone is trustworthy, smart, or successful. Now, if we put this theory in the context of office reception areas, would it be the same? Absolutely! Here are three things you should know to make sure you look trustworthy, smart and successful to anyone that walks through the doors of your office.

1. Don’t Get Too Tangled Up with the Trends.

Don’t get me wrong, being in trend is highly important to make sure your company is relevant with the rest of the competition. However, you must make sure that you follow the trends carefully so that it is appropriate for your company’s industry. For example, if you are building a reception area for your architect and design firm, it’s okay to be a little trendy and go with the all glass furniture and pops of bright colors. You want to make sure people know you’re creative and fun. However, if you’re building a reception area for your banking and investment firm, you might want to go the more traditional route, so it will give off the impression of wealth and security.

2. Ask the Experts.

If it’s your first time renovating or building out a reception area, we understand it’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself. That’s why we have a great team of designers, furniture and space planning specialists to help you along the way. If you want a very specific shade of purple that you need for the accent chair in the waiting area, our team can not only help you pick out that color, but the right fabric and pattern for that piece of furniture. Our experts can also provide information that you might have not thought about yet. Our Furniture Specialist, John Sites, says, “The most common requests [when it comes to designing a new reception area] are to make the space appropriate for their industry. They always want it to look welcoming and provide a comfortable place for clients to wait.” He adds that people also have to keep in mind to make sure “the space is compliant with ADA requirements and comfortable enough to welcome people of all different sizes to their business. This is evident in seating, aisle space and counter height if the receptionist sits behind a desk.”

3. Be Hospitable and Get Creative!

It’s pretty common to see newspapers or magazines in reception areas so that guests can sit and read while they wait. Now, that’s great and all but pretty boring if you ask me. Why not have some snacks and drinks while you’re waiting and flipping through Time Magazine? Our Furniture Specialist, John Sites, adds again, “there have been more requests for office reception areas to have a designated corner for food and refreshments for guests to enjoy.” In addition, reception areas will have charging stations for people to plug in their electronic devices and headsets for guests to borrow. Now, I wouldn’t complain if they had all that at the DMV, don’t you agree?

Hopefully this gave you some inspiration and insight to how important your reception office truly is. Always remember to think about the space, your company’s overall style and goals. If you follow these tips, we’re sure that you’ll have the best reception office in town.

What else do you want us to talk about? Share with us! Or just say hi, we won’t bite!