<p>The other day I was painting the walls of a local business and one of their customers approached me and said how nice it was to be in a business that was actually “sprucing things up” instead of letting everything go shabby from neglect. </p>
<p>We all know the old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and though we are facing difficult economic times, it is no less true. Right now many businesses are tightening their belts in hopes of surviving this flagging economy. You must do what is necessary, but make sure that when your client walks in your office or store they see a company that is flourishing, not struggling. </p>
<p>A fresh coat of paint can go a long way to making your customers feel hopeful and encouraged. You want, now more than ever, to help your customers feel they are doing business with a thriving company, one that they can trust to be there tomorrow. </p>
<p>Take a look around your lobby. What is the first thing a client sees? Dirty entry door and old carpet? Piles of paperwork? Dirty, beige walls? These details might suggest to a new customer that you don't feel the need to welcome them, you don't care about details, you are behind in your work, and are not quite making ends meet. That's not the kind of place who is likely to get my business, whether it is a clothing boutique, a lawyer's office, or an auto shop. A little color and clean paint will tell such a different story and invite your client to trust in you and your business.</p>
<p>Freshening up the office space can have an amazing effect on you and your staff, too. If you come to work day after day to face the same dirty walls and disorganized desks, you are unlikely to be motivated to give 110%. Study after study has shown how much our mood, creativity and efficiency are affected by our surroundings. Isn’t that worth $30 of paint?</p>
<p>Remember that freshening up a space doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Of course, completely revamping a space with new flooring, furniture and lighting can be obscenely expensive, but a little smart shopping and patience can do wonders. Try a site like Craigslist for nearly new office furniture – you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find. Don’t forget to spend some time cleaning up the space, too. Reorganizing takes time, but it is low cost and will ultimately make your business run more smoothly.</p>
<p>And if it too overwhelming to make the decisions on your own, you can hire a decorator or redesigner for just a single consultation to help you create a plan. You may not be able to afford a designer for the whole project, but a couple hundred bucks up front helping to create a game plan and color scheme can save you hours of time, hundreds of dollars, and help avoid some major headaches.</p>
<p>That first impression might mean that you survive or even thrive in this difficult market. Remember, you will be judged on what the client sees, smells and hears - you don’t want that to undermine the quality product or service you have to offer.</p>
2009-03-01T00:52:11Z
-10.6311
349
3375
true
15
27356
there-is-no-room-for-shabby-chic-in-your-business
3
2009-03-06T23:49:47Z
2009-03-06T23:49:47Z
Do your clients see a business that is flourishing, or one that is struggling? Which would you rather patronize? If your foyer or office looks a little tired, you may be losing customers!
There is no room for "shabby chic" in your business.
0
2009-03-06T23:49:47Z