How is Your Business Judged

We live in a visual society. However, as the saying goes, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. This should also be applied when evaluating working with a new small business.

A professional colleague recently began working with a new business. Her initial assessment was mostly concern. This was based on her visual inspection at her visit. She left with more questions and concerns than answers and confidence. Would she return? Should she return?

After several hours of contemplation, our colleague chose to return and pick up the items provided by this business. This experience changed her entire perception of the business. What a pleasant surprise! And the reason is even more remarkable.

As it turns out, she initially entered the business through their back door. This is where employees entered and was more warehouse space than commercial office space. The front door was not immediately accessible from the parking lot where she parked. The need to walk around the building to enter from the front door escaped her attention. And that shaped her view of the business itself!

The company delivered as originally promised and our colleague plans on using them going forward. If she had not identified the front door and the proper entrance upon her return, she may not have made it past that original negative first impression. Lesson learned.

As small business owners who have commercial space where clients may be visiting, make sure you provide the correct directions on how to enter your space. And give them the scenic route. Back lots or alleyways should be avoided at all costs! This is a good reminder to have proper entry signs outside as well.

Small businesses can face many challenges. What first impression your business makes on people is controllable. Make sure they do not judge your business by the wrong cover!

Be well.