- Easy parking and a parking area free of garbage. Remember: first impressions…
- A professional and tasteful sign, if that is in order.
- Clean landscaping and healthy plants. You take pride in your appearance.
- Flooring that is clean and in good condition. This means no holes, stains or bulges.
- Furnishings that are both comfortable and tasteful. Tacky wall hangings are usually not the way to go.
- Waiting room:
1) A selection of up-to-date magazines on a variety of topics. Something for kids if applicable.
2) Plants—these indicate both a willingness and ability to nurture and take care of things (like your relationship with them).
3) Music—Background music of a steady, smooth type with an even volume. No radio! - Restrooms—spotless and smelling fresh.
- Lighting which is neither too bright nor glaring, nor too dim. Shadows are not acceptable. Also, think of using “green” lighting solutions such as LED bulbs wherever possible. This is attractive to more and more people. Using the incandescent bulbs that you stockpiled before they were banned is going to lose you points faster than you might think.
- Receptionist/Salesperson/Clerk—they are helpful, welcoming, dressed appropriately for the job, smiling…basically they are happy to see your client and it shows.
- Trash the moment they get out of their car.
- An old sign or one showing weathering stains or which is broken.
- Dead or dying landscaping; signs of disrepair.
- Stained or otherwise clearly old carpet or tile.
- Furnishings from your mother’s basement.
- A $15 painting on the wall…Black Velvet is an especially big no-no.
- Every issue of Ocean Biologist from the last two years…and nothing else.
- A radio station blaring through ceiling speakers and nowhere to hide.
- A bathroom that you wouldn’t want your mother to see.
- Cheap lighting circa 1970.
- Bad attitudes/hygiene/customer service/personality characteristics that show you are not professional.