Comments on: Every Company Needs a Director of First Impressions

By: Casper Moller

Casper Moller — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:45:27 +0000

Great post, Dan. However, I’d go a step further and say that it’s not only receptionists, but any staff who might have customer contact – particularly the ones who you are likely to encounter first. This could be check-in staff for airlines or at hotels; doormen; train conductors; bus drivers; car valets, maitre d’s etc.

It just goes to show the importance of ensuring that ALL customer facing staff are singing off the same hymn sheet, have been empowered to deal with situations and now what your company’s overall vision and strategies are so they will be able to make the right decisions for both the customers and your company.

By: Erika

Erika — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:19:51 +0000

What a cool post, Dan! Where were you four years ago when I was a receptionist?! I honestly think that this is a valid point, though, and that receptionists are hugely responsible for creating a good impression for the company. Especially for a company that requires managers to take a lot of meetings in the office. A good receptionist can make or break an important meeting.

By: Ari Herzog

Ari Herzog — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:18:32 +0000

The content in your post is great, Dan, but your title should be fixed.

Companies of all sizes and shapes already possess directors of first impressions. Some call these defenders of personal space a receptionist, others a clerk, and occasionally the vice president of x, y, or z rotates with other staffers as the welcoming wagon.

Thus, your argument should not be companies NEED directors of first impressions but one should evaluate and/or incorporate the content of your post to determine not if a person can be hired or appointed as such but how the existing role can be enhanced.

By: 080605 Daily Links (June 5, 2008) | johnsumser.com: Recruiting News and Views

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:23:55 +0000

[...] Every Company Needs a Director of First Impressions Liz Bailey at Monster has a great business card. [...]

By: Sameer Vasta

Sameer Vasta — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:55:15 +0000

Small story for you: I once walked into the offices of a large law firm a few minutes early for a business meeting. The receptionist greeted me by name (she keeps photos of the people that come in for meetings so she can remember them all), alerted me about the change of room for the meeting, printed out the new handouts for me, and was sure to answer any questions about the meeting I had.

The people in the firm kept her informed of all these things because they knew that her job was to create these first impressions, and she definitely left a lasting mark for me.

By: Dan Schawbel

Dan Schawbel — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:47:48 +0000

@ Daniel – thanks and nice name

@ David – seems like a great corporate decision

By: David Sandusky

David Sandusky — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:45:24 +0000

I am happy to see the recent posts re: receptionist. Smart companies empower reception and assistants with knowledge and ability to act. Hire talent and this person can save your professional life.

One of my best hires was our office manager in Orange County, CA. She sat in our executive search update meetings, grabbed specs and would support incoming calls very well. I got compliments from clients and candidates often — she was our MVP!

By: daniel martin

daniel martin — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:57:00 +0000

great insight Dan! I can’t tell you how often I preah this same message to Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents who are self-employed and on their own. They are the Director of First Impressions for the themselves but, too often they are the Wrecker of First Impressions.