Some portable sanitation companies are finding that it pays to show off a little. If they get a call asking about portable restrooms for a wedding, party or other special event, they invite the potential customer in to check them out. They have created indoor showrooms within their office space so customers can, while not actually “try before they buy,” at least see the units up close and slam a few doors before making a selection.
In-person customers get a better idea of restroom sizes and understand the features of different models. It’s much easier to show than tell. Customers also can see the colors better than they can visualize them over the phone. But beware: Inviting customers into your office space makes them privy to much more than the features of the privies.
SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE
Any time the public enters your place of business – whether it’s to check out your special event units or pay their bill – they judge you and your company by what they see when they walk through the door. To improve your image, try these office makeover tips:
1. Make your office a neutral zone. There have been some really close elections around the country lately. Do you know what that means? It means, chances are about half the population disagrees with whatever views you hold or candidate you support. Do you really want to alienate half of your potential customers by decorating your office with controversial political cartoons, bumper stickers, campaign signs, etc.? Take them down. Don’t lose the business of their birthday party because you don’t belong to their political party.
2. Remove the dead (plants, that is). If you aren’t responsible enough to keep a plant watered, can you really handle bigger things like keeping 10 restrooms clean?
3. Dispose of empty food and beverage containers. Again, what does having a messy desk say for your standards of cleanliness? It should be easier to clean a desk than a restroom.
4. Take down the inappropriate pictures (or just unattractive) pictures. Some brides-to-be might find Miss May of your “pinup calendar” a bit offensive when they come to check out restrooms. The picture of you on the beach in your Speedo or raunchy photos of your bachelor party might creep some customers out a little too. A simple, respectable family picture on your desk sends a more appealing message.
5. Pare down the toys. A few toys on your desk say you are fun-loving and they can be good conversation starters. Too many say you are immature, easily distracted and won’t be giving the customer your full attention.
6. Get rid of the outdated equipment. That dot-matrix printer in the corner that hasn’t worked since the ’90s says you’re too lazy to properly dispose of it, and it’s taking up space that could be utilized for your showroom.
7. Dump the butts. As smoke-free workplaces become the law in more and more cities and states, people become less tolerant of smoke odors. Even if you can smoke in your office, don’t put people off by doing it. At the very least, keep your ashtrays clean and empty. Not only has smoking become somewhat controversial, a heaping ashtray is another sign that says you can’t keep anything clean.
A SPACE TO BE PROUD OF
After you’ve cleaned up your office space, assess its condition. Could a new coat of paint in a bright, clean color improve it? After you’ve painted, hang some posters or artwork that makes people think “fresh” and “clean” – like nature scenes.
Make sure the office floor is clean, or consider replacing the floor covering if you can’t get it clean anymore. If you think greenery is a nice touch, replace those dead plants you removed with low maintenance ivy or bamboo, or even lower maintenance life-like silk plants. There are also services you can hire to water and maintain live plants.
Arrange furniture to appear welcoming, which means don’t sit with your back to the door. If there’s room, arrange a comfortable seating area where you can meet with customers to discuss their needs. And think about creating that showroom of units so people can visualize them at their events.
Not only will cleaning and updating your workplace make it more customer-friendly, you might just enjoy coming to work more in your “new” office, and that will make you more customer friendly too.
