When clients enter your business, they first notice the reception desk. After all, they need to talk to the receptionist anyway. What if your reception desk is unkempt and untidy? Well, your clients may not want to do business with you.
This reminds me of something my old friend from college, Rick Thomas, used to say: “You can’t find success, you have to make it for yourself.” And he’s never said anything more true. How are customers supposed to know that, by the look of your reception counter, your business isn’t also “cluttered?” You can’t expect people to know that your business is high quality, you have to make them know that. You do it by having a nice reception area.
Did I mention that Rick is now making nearly 7 figures a year? I’m not making this up folks. Rick actually did it, with a little help from a clean desk. I’m not surprised, either.
I went to visit Rick early on in his career. He was at a smaller firm at the time, less pay, but that never stopped ol’ Rick! I remember, we were about to leave and get some lunch and on the way out, something caught his eye. It was the few scattered papers on his receptionist’s desk. Rick almost lost it. Kudos to him, though, he was able to keep himself under control. I was dying laughing as Rick gave his receptionist a three-minute speech about her being the “face” of the company and all, and how keeping her desk clean will benefit everyone. A couple papers scattered about wouldn’t be a big deal to most people. But Rick isn’t “most people.” Rick has perseverance.
I know what you’re thinking. “This guy Rick sounds like a real obsessive compulsive crazy person.” I can tell you, he wasn’t. In fact, Rick Thomas may be the most sane and logical human being I know. And right now, Rick is out there making tons of money while you’re leaving your reception desk dirty and making the same amount you’ve made for the past few years.
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a chance. What can you lose? Maybe it’ll work for you, maybe not. Chances are, it will. It worked for Rick.
