Dress Your Office for Success

Would you buy a new car from a dealer if it was dirty with trash in the back seat and cigarette butts in the ashtray?

I am sure when you read that question above you thought – Of course not.  However, every day there are people in our industry who operate under these principles.  We have all met them.  The office is dirty, the models look terrible and then they complain that sales are down.  

Dress your office for success – this is a major one that many people overlook.  If you are reading this at your office, take 2 seconds and look up.  Is your office ready if someone walks in RIGHT NOW? Become the customer, go to the other side of your desk and sit down.  Look around, are you comfortable with what you see?  Here are some of the items from the checklist I use to make sure my office is 100%:

• Does your office have an odor?
• Is the floor clean?
• Is the trash can out of sight and not overflowing?
• How is the lighting?
• Make sure the temp is good for your customer (if you keep it warm because you are always cold – wear a sweater).  The temperature must be comfortable to your customer. 
• Do you have food in your office?  Think about what you eat for odors in the office, just as you would with your breath.
• Do you have papers laying all over your desk – if you went to write a contract would the desk be clear and ready?
• Have you received awards?  If so they should be displayed – it creates credibility.
• If you have referral letters and thank you notes from past customers – put them in a binder and have it out for your customer to review.

These are some of the things I check each day.  There are definitely more that you can add and some that will be specific to your situation.  Take some time and create a checklist for office.  Keep it on your computer, clipboard or someplace where it will be the first thing you see everyday.  Start your day by making sure your office is just as ready for customers as you are.  

It sounds so basic, but sometimes when we get wrapped up in all sorts of new training, we forget the basics.  As you learn more, remember to never forget the basics, it is the building block of everything we do.

Howard Vogin has spent his entire life selling.  Starting out selling newspapers in his neighborhood, he has always had sales in blood. Throughout his career he has always focused on sales and marketing. Whether growing retail chains or leading sales teams Howard has always looked for ways to innovate and increase business through the development of his teams.  Now working in Real Estate in South Florida, Howard continues to help others through coaching, consulting and writing.  He is currently working on a new book.  To reach Howard email him at howard@voginteam.com.