Appearance is Everything

We hope our relationship is strong enough for today’s topic, because we’ll probably offend some of you. Please keep in mind that our sincere motivation is to make you more successful in your business.
Clean up your act! There, now we’ve said it. We are continually amazed at the large number of small businesses in Idaho that are seemingly oblivious to how they appear to the buying public. Parking lots are full of potholes, landscaping is parched and full of weeds, bulbs are burned out, trash is allowed to overflow and blow away, paint is peeling, windows are broken or fingerprinted, and sidewalks need swept or shoveled. Now, let’s go inside.
Carpeting is threadbare and begging for a vacuum, tile floors are dull and stained, more burned out lights, and all the counters and displays are covered in dust. Merchandise displays need filled, racks need sized, and shelves need faced. Point of sale signs are smudged, creased, or non-existent. The check out area is cluttered and desks are stacked with papers. Music is blaring and something smells, but not in a good way.
Now, let’s talk about your restrooms. Whenever we are asked to meet a business owner at the store, the first stop is always the public restroom. We are of the opinion that the cleanliness of the restroom is a direct reflection of an owner’s attitude towards customers. They should be checked every thirty minutes. Ask yourself, “would my grandmother approve of these conditions?”
Here is the good news. The majority of the problems we’ve listed can be solved with nothing more than some good old fashioned elbow grease and an eye for detail. To succeed in business, you have to outwork and outwit the competition. Putting a shiny face on your business could be a giant first step to capturing more of the client base. If your store is a mess, what does that say about your business practices? Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.