In business, reputation can make you or break you. But it isn’t just how you conduct business that matters, setting the correct image is also important. Dirty business premises, untidy offices and/or reception room, structural defects and signs of damage can scare off customers. Depending on the type of business, often customers won’t even enter your door if the front isn’t clean and tidy. This is especially true if you are running a food business but pertains to other types of business as well. Recently, even car repair businesses (which generates a lot of dirt and grease) have shown that they can benefit if they are able to maintain a clean neat appearance.
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Finding New Premises
As a new business owner, your first premises are a big deal. It is ultimately where your business sinks or swims, where you hope that your idea evolves into a success that you can grow year by year.
That, however, will only ever remain a pipedream if you maintain premises that are below par. Things like peeling paint, potholed driveway, or even a dirty or moss covered roof can create a bad initial impression. In many parts of the world like Florida, the U.K. and many tropical regions even dampness can cause an image problem (not to mention an unhealthy mold environment). Anywhere with horrible damp problems or structural damage that would be in need of urgent attention should be avoided. Although it can be tempting to try to save money by choosing somewhere in need of a touch of TLC, sometimes the problem is worse than it first appears.
For example, treatment of damp in walls can cost a small fortune – not just for the cost of the treatment alone, but also as a result of any disruption it may cause the business. For your first premises, ideally you should opt for somewhere that suits a small budget, is in a good location (easy for staff and customers to find) and is ready to move straight in to. Dampness can be a sign of a leaky roof or walls, a broken pipe or stopped up toilet or residual damage from a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flooding.
A Clean Office is a Happy Office
Once you’ve moved in and things are up and running, the next most important step is to keep your offices clean. This means keeping on top of any rubbish or waste that your business accumulates. Make a point of showing that your business cares for the environment by encouraging recycling in the workplace and cutting down on plastic waste. Instead of plastic cups at water coolers, opt for paper cups or ask that employees use their own cups and/or bottles where possible.
While it may not be necessary to have cleaners in every night, depending on the nature of your business, employing a team of cleaners to come in once or twice a week to keep the office looking tidy is essential. Even the tidiest employee can accidentally leave rubbish behind or have a desk with dust on it. If potential customers see even the slightest bit of rubbish or dirt, they will soon have the wrong impression of your business, meaning they will be less likely to work with you.
Three Ways You Want Your Customer to See You
- You want your customer to see you as Organized-
- You want your customer to see you as Competent-
- You want your customer to see you as Professional-
A tidy organized workspace is essential. Organized people are seen as more competent and professional.
Decorating and Organizing Your Office
In addition to keeping your premises spick and span, adding a new coat of paint, fresh flooring and furniture all help to create your commercial space. However some thought should be given to how your business is going to work. Traditionally employees were locked away in separate offices which facilitated concentration. But if your business is more collaborative an open design might work better.
Over time, the décor naturally deteriorates and show signs of its age. Businesses should look to redecorate their space every three to four years in order to keep a lively and welcoming workspace.
Redecorating the office can increase employee morale and, when your staff is happy, this will rub off on your customers who will feel welcomed. Looking after your business on the inside will certainly help to look after how everyone views your business from the outside.
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