The reception area is your company's first impression about your business.  You want it to be right.  So what is right for you?

When you have ten minutes or so, go sit in your reception area.  How does it make you feel?  How do you think your customers/clients/patients feel while they are waiting?

Is it clean and neat?  Does it make you feel welcome?  Is the fabric on the furniture clean?  Does the carpeting have soiled traffic areas?  Does your receptionist have a warm and friendly personality?

This is the ultimate test to find out if your reception area paints a negative or positive image of you and your business.

Consider these ideas to help you create a restful spot for welcoming clients and visitors.

"MUST HAVES" in a Reception Area

Receptionist - This person is your single most valuable asset.  Is she friendly, calling your visitors by name and with enthusiasm?

Coat racks and hangers - Do you have a specific place to hang coats and hats?  This keeps the reception area from being cluttered and it makes people feel welcome.

Seating and tables - Is your furniture comfortable?  Does the style of the furniture project the image you want for your company?  Tables can divide seating so that your clients can have more privacy.  They can also hold lamps, reading material, phones and plants, helping to warm up the space and give it some personality.

Phone and computer - Your visitors will be grateful for the convenience of being able to take care of those calls that just can't wait.  Your receptionist will be grateful they are not asking her to use the phone at her desk.  Be sure to have phone books handy too.

The computer can have games on it (did you know that adults are bigger gamers than children), or it may have software on it that is pertinent to your business/practice.  This can help patients understand diagnosed conditions, medical test, medications and treatment.  It starts your visit with them in the reception area and compliments their intelligence.

Literature - Have magazines and periodicals available for visitors to read.  Make sure they are current, not torn and appropriate for your business.  This is also a great opportunity to display literature about your company; waiting guest are captive audiences.

Reading Lamps - Floor and tabletop lamps are essential for any reception area, even if you have lots of natural light.  Lamps can help on cloudy days, or soften the natural light, creating a relaxing effect.

Music - Soft music creates a soothing environment for your visitors.

Snacks and beverages - Set up a beverage station stocked with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, water and soft drinks.  Have individual bags of pretzels, popcorn or cookies at the beverage station.  Your guest will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Trash bins - Place bins around your reception area to keep it neat and presentable.

Office art - Colorful and inspirational art can actually put your clients in a positive mood.  And don't forget wall color.  It has been proven that color affects people in subtle ways.

The bottom line is to make your visitors feel important every time they come to your office.  The reception area should give visitors a pleasant memory of their visit and make them want to come back.

Even if the entrance into our office space is small and can only accommodate a small entry table and some art, make it an important space.  Make a statement by painting the walls, having memorable art and creating a place that says "Welcome, We're glad you're here!