Make First Impressions Count

One of my clients in the Twin Cities has placed this sign on the desk of the receptionist:

"Director of First Impressions"

I love it! As mother always said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Whether you're working in a library, call center, or a college. It's important to make customer's first impression a positive and inviting one.

Four key ingredients are typically essential for greeting a customer and making a great first impression:

1. A Salutation: (e.g. "Hello", "Good morning", "Hi", or "Welcome")
2. Introducing yourself - (customers like personalized service!)
3. Identify your company
4. "Inviting" the customer into the interaction (e.g. "How can I help you?")

(Of course, all the ingredients should be mixed in with a smile!)

Are you going to be greeting your customers today? What kind of first impression will you make?

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and OldShoeWoman