Scientists say it takes people about 3 seconds to form a first impression. Are you making the right impact for your business during that short amount of time?

We’ve been told since high school that first impressions are everything. We form one with just about everything – a new song, a new person, a new place. People often decide almost instantly if this newness ‘vibes’ with them or not.

In fact, when it comes to business – whether you’re a medical practice, a dealership, or a multi-tenant building – your prospective patient, customer, or tenant may start to form their opinion of you BEFORE the actual in-person meeting.

Your marketing, your voicemail greeting or email signature, how you answer the phone, how quickly you respond to leads, the appointment setting conversation. All falls in the category of a genuine ‘first impression’. And it provides great opportunity to start to affirm whether or not you hold the answer the caller seeks, or if they should call someone else for what they need.

Today I’m here to write specifically about the Second First Impression. This is the exact moment a new patient, customer, or prospective tenant walks into your medical office, dealership, or building for the first time. A friendly smile with a warm welcome from your receptionist or concierge goes a long way. But if your space isn’t clean and tidy, a visitor will often start to look around and notice things while they wait to see you.

Here’s 3 tips to help you make sure you’re hitting a home run with that Second First Impression:
Make sure your front entrance, lobby, and waiting area isn’t disheveled and disorganized because your prospects may end up thinking the same about your business or facility. Glass is clear and free of finger smudges. Cobwebs, dead bugs, and dust is nowhere in sight. The area is neatly vacuumed with little to no stains on carpet or runners. The space is open and flowy, providing maneuverability and opportunity for social distancing. Reading materials are neatly stacked and magazines are up to date. There’s clear signage and when needed, direction on protocol, so confusion is reduced or eliminated. All of these little things can add up quickly, contributing to a positive or adverse bias once you get face to face with your prospect.

No matter how big or small your space is, take pride in it. Just like your logo, website, or business card, remember the place in which you conduct business is a reflection of you. A clean space helps people feel comfortable and allows them to focus by eliminating unnecessary distractions. If yours is clean and tidy, that not only conveys pride in your physical appearance, but also your work, relationships, and shows that you value the health and wellness benefits of keeping the space clean for your staff, tenants, and visitors. Put your best foot forward by investing in a clean and tidy space that your employees and visitors enjoy spending their time in because it helps them feel safe and comfortable.
For after hours maintenance, partner with a reliable and trustworthy cleaning service that takes care of all the nooks and crannies of your office. From cobwebs in the corners, to dead bugs on window sills, dust build up on the back of furniture and baseboards, etc. If they’re letting those basic tasks slip by, your visitors will start to think about what else isn’t being cleaned.

Since medical, dealership, and real estate industries have second chances to make great first impressions, make sure this advantage is working for you and not against you. Optimizing this opportunity may cause your patients, customers, and tenants to trust you more, even before they lay eyes on you.